Over Sh82 million was raised in just 15 minutes at this year’s Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair in Baringo County, marking a remarkable increase from last year’s Sh64 million.
President William Ruto, who led Monday’s event, purchased more than 1,300 goats, while his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, acquired 500 animals, each priced at Sh13,000. The annual gathering drew top government officials including Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Gender CS Hanna Wendot, as well as numerous MPs, senators, and local leaders.
This year, the auction integrated a digital platform, Efarmer, allowing young people to sell goats online. Farmers across the country could order animals without being physically present, complementing the traditional sale. By the time President Ruto departed, he had bought over 6,320 goats at Sh13,000 each. Sales continued online and through individual purchases, bringing the total number of goats sold across all 30 wards to more than 8,300 — nearly double last year’s 4,300.
President William Ruto during Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair in Baringo County on December 22, 2025.PHOTO/PCSSpeaking during the event, President Ruto urged buyers to pay in cash before delivery, emphasizing the importance of protecting farmers and the county government from debts.
“I am very happy that farmers offered more than 8,000 goats for sale this year, up from 4,300 last year. This is thanks to the prevailing peace in areas previously affected by insecurity. Every dignitary must buy goats to support farmers, but payment must be in cash before delivery,” he said.
“I am buying 1,300 goats myself for distribution, including to police and recruits in training. My deputy, who I have sent on assignment elsewhere, will take 500 goats,” he added.
The President also announced a Sh12 billion allocation to cushion communities affected by the dry spell. This week, Sh3.5 billion will be disbursed to ensure food supply and fund animal off-take programmes, protecting farmers from potential losses.
Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair in Baringo County on December 22, 2025.PHOTO/PCSThe Kimalel Goat Auction, established in 1986 by the late President Daniel Moi, remains a key initiative supporting livelihoods in Baringo, popularly known as the “goat county,” where livestock farming is a major source of income.
Visitors often stop at Koriema Shopping Centre along the Kabarnet-Marigat road to enjoy the region’s renowned naturally salty and tender goat meat.
President Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s vision to transform into a first-world country under the bottom-up economic model, dismissing critics engaged in “cheap politicking.”
“There is nothing we are implementing that was not part of the manifesto endorsed by over 7.2 million Kenyans. We have the National Infrastructure Fund, and we are delivering what was promised,” he said, adding that the Mau Summit road project is set for completion by June next year.
