Traders in West Pokot Raise Concerns Over Cattle Prices Drop

By Joseph Lochele,

Residents of Chepareria in West Pokot County have raised concerns over alleged drop of cattle prices in the market amidst Schools reopening.

According to the residents, the sudden drop of prices has been recorded in the month of May and has hugely affected their school fees budget.

Meanwhile, according to the residents the impact has been felt hugely since most parents sell cows and goats in huge numbers so as to raise school fees.

Notably the region’s major source of income being pastoralism is set to suffer a set back amidst the lower prices recorded at the moment.

While speaking to Kalya Digital News, one of the traders Listi Nyatuw gave details of the drop of prices which ranges according to kilograms.

According to Nyatuw,in the month of April, the price of a goat weighing 19 to 20 kilograms could go for Sh7,000 to Sh8,000 a situation that has changed drastically.

“The prices for Goats and Sheep for this month are as follows depending on kilograms:19 to 20 kilograms ranges from Sh5,000 to Sh,6000, 14 to 16 kilograms ranges from Sh4,500 to Sh6,500; 10 to 12 Kilograms ranges from Sh4,500 to 5,000 and the lowest is 8 to 10 kilograms which ranges from Sh3,000 to Sh3,500,”said Nyatuw.

Likewise, while the prices of animals in Chepareria market vary depending on the health of the animal, Nyatuw also noted that just like goats and sheep, prices for cows have dropped significantly in the market.

“Last week the highest price for a cow went at Ksh55,000, while this week is at Ksh50000.
The lowest price was at Ksh22000 but this week, it goes at Ksh20000, it’s really a drop”said Nyatuw.