The State Department for Livestock has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing financial inclusion, resilience, and sustainability in Kenya’s pastoral communities through the ambitious DRIVE (De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies) project.
During a visit to ZEP-RE Reinsurance Company today, the department assessed progress on the DRIVE initiative, which is focused on transforming livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) by addressing long-standing challenges facing pastoral economies—particularly limited access to markets and financial services.
Speaking during the visit, Principal Secretary Hon. Jonathan Mueke emphasized that DRIVE goes beyond livestock production.
“This project is about people. It’s about dignity, access, and sustainability,” he said. “We are creating systems that not only support economic activity but restore hope and empower pastoralists to thrive in a changing world.”
Through strategic partnerships with ZEP-RE, FSD Kenya, Safaricom, and county governments, the DRIVE project is unlocking livestock markets, scaling up aggregation models, and expanding access to tailored financial products. This integrated approach combines technology, risk protection, and inclusive finance to ensure that pastoralists are equipped to navigate economic and climate-related shocks.
Safaricom’s mobile platforms are powering seamless financial transactions and insurance services, while ZEP-RE brings critical reinsurance solutions to mitigate risk. FSD Kenya supports the development of inclusive financial tools, ensuring that interventions are both relevant and sustainable.
“This is a journey of innovation and inclusion,” added Hon. Mueke. “Our collective efforts are driving real change—and the momentum is only growing.”
The State Department underscored that sustained engagement with local communities and devolved units remains central to the success of DRIVE. As Kenya works to safeguard food systems and build climate resilience, this initiative is a powerful example of what cross-sector collaboration can achieve.
