Over KSh 519M injected into Kenya’s pastoral economy through KDC’s DRIVE initiative

By Remie OTIENO

Over KSh 519 million has already been injected into Kenya’s pastoral economy through the DRIVE Program, a bold initiative reshaping investment in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

At a high-level breakfast meeting held today at Mövenpick Hotel, government officials, development partners, and private sector players united under a shared mission: to transform pastoral regions from aid-dependent zones into thriving economic frontiers.

Spearheaded by the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) through State Department for Livestock and supported by the World Bank, DRIVE is unlocking capital, building resilience, and proving that Kenya’s pastoral economies are ripe for investment.

The DRIVE Program is a flagship model of inclusive investment responsive to local realities, said Norah Ratemo, Director General of Kenya Development Corporation (KDC).

With over KSh 519 million disbursed so far to enterprises and value chain actors across more than 20 counties including Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, and Kwale; we are unlocking long-term value in historically marginalized regions.

From fodder production and feedlots to meat processing, leather, aggregation, and livestock trade, DRIVE is supporting climate-smart, community driven development across the entire livestock value chain.

DRIVE is anchoring our shift from aid to enterprise, stated PS Abubakar Hassan, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion. It is a practical blueprint for de-risking frontier economies and crowding in private capital through blended finance, concessional lending, and strategic partnerships.

Our government is committed to repositioning the Arid and SemiArid Lands (ASALs) as investable zones rich in opportunity.

Through initiatives like DRIVE, we are unlocking high-impact investments in livestock production, agribusiness, water infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture, while aligning national policies with county priorities.

This is how we actualize the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by turning potential into prosperity.

Supported by the World Bank and implemented through a consortium of public and private partners, the DRIVE Program is paving the way for scalable, blended finance solutions that directly support ASAL Counties.

With a focus on job creation, commercialization, and climate resilience, the program is helping Kenya realize inclusive growth one county at a time.

The World Bank expressed a keen interest in hearing firsthand accounts from DRIVE beneficiaries, recognizing that grassroots feedback is vital for shaping future investments and refining implementation strategies to ensure the program continues to meet the evolving needs of communities on the ground.

Today, we are witnessing this firsthand feedback, as DRIVE beneficiaries share their transformative experiences, illustrating how the program has empowered them to overcome challenges, improve productivity, and contribute to the

economic resilience of their communities. This real-time insight will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement and maximizing the program’s impact.

The State Department for Livestock plays a pivotal role in building the capacity of potential investors across ASAL counties. By providing technical support, policy guidance, and sector-specific data, the Department ensures that investors are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully engage in livestock and related value chains.

This strategic support is vital in unlocking the economic potential of ASAL regions and promoting sustainable, investment-ready ecosystems, said Maurice Ouma, DRIVE Project Coordinator.

KDC and its partners urged stakeholders from government, development finance institutions, and the private sector to strengthen collaboration; demonstrating that investing in pastoral economies is not only feasible, but vital to securing Kenya’s sustainable economic future.