Yatta Kwa Vonza Member of County Assembly (MCA), Hon. Mark Ndingo, has joined county and national stakeholders in supporting a landmark project that aims to revolutionize the livestock sector in Kitui County.
Hon. Ndingo was among the key participants at a sensitization forum held today at a Mwingi hotel to deliberate on the proposed establishment of a Livestock Training Institute (LTI) and a modern feedlot at the B2 Yatta Ranching Cooperative Society.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kitui County Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, seeks to bolster pastoralist livelihoods, improve food and nutrition security, and enhance economic resilience in the county’s arid and semi-arid regions.
Speaking at the forum, Hon. Ndingo welcomed the project, emphasizing its potential to empower local communities through education, job creation, and sustainable livestock practices. “This is a big win for our people. The LTI will not only uplift the standards of livestock production but also open up new opportunities for our youth through skills development,” he stated.
The proposed Livestock Training Institute will be located on land parcel LR No. 12010, opposite the Administration Police Border Patrol Training College in Kanyonyoo, along the Thika–Mwingi Highway. It will train professionals in Animal Health, Range Management, Extension Services, and Value Addition. Short-term courses for farmers and service providers are also planned.
County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya, who chaired the forum, explained that the location was selected due to its accessibility, proximity to the B2 Yatta Ranching Cooperative Society for practical learning, and linkage to the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP).
The accompanying feedlot facility at B2 Yatta Ranch is expected to enhance livestock fattening, improve market readiness, create employment, and strengthen cooperative management structures.
Hon. Ndingo reiterated his commitment to supporting development programs in Yatta Kwa Vonza and across Kitui County, aligning with Governor Julius Malombe’s agenda for economic empowerment and food security.
The forum brought together senior county officials including CECMs Dr. Stephen Mbaya (Agriculture), Rose Mutuku (Trade), and Frederick Kimanga (Lands), as well as chief officers, national government representatives, and technical experts.
