Curtains Certainly Fallen on Famous Kimalel Goat Auction Amid Pay Controversy
The 40-year-old World Famous Goat Auction was founded in 1986 by the Baringo-born late former President Daniel Arap Moi.
By Our reporter
Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi has revealed his administration will not be hosting this year’s annual Kimalel Goat Auction because they are working on other modalities of supporting the local farmers.
Cheboi made the statement when he hosted the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) delegation led by Country Director Mariatu Kamara alongside officials from Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCop) at his office in Kabarnet town Wednesday.
The governor said the move to end the auction founded in 1986 by the late former second President of Kenya Daniel arap Moi is geared towards modernizing the livestock sub sector from low value, subsistence, broker-driven transactions to a high value market oriented business.
President William Ruto inspecting a goat in a previous event at Kimalel Goat Auction./File
The physical selling of goats which has been attracting top buyers including Presidents, cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and heads of parastatals was a major cultural and economic event empowering Baringo residents by providing a reliable market for their “Naturally salted” meat which is famous for its unique flavor derived from the region’s mineral-rich soils.
“Actually this year we are not going to be selling goats at Kimalel goat auction; instead we are only going to sell slaughtered goats at the recently completed modern Maoi abattoir in Baringo South,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by his deputy Eng Felix Kimaiyo who noted that the decision has been backed by President Willliam Ruto who has been championing for the revitalization of the sector.
Kimaiyo noted the immense impacts of development partners like Kelcop who have invested in infrastructure, disease control and market access for farmers, making them sell a record 8,300 goats during the last auction in December last year.
He called for more partners to chip in and support farmers in areas such as water accessibility and capacity building on best management practices to ensure increase in productivity.
Kamara in her remarks noted the county is among the regions set to benefit from an additional funding amounting to 54 million US dollars under the Kelcop project that is currently being undertaken in four selected Wards across the vast county.
She stated that during their tour of the county they will be engaging several stakeholders including all farmers in looking for sustainable solutions to improving rural livelihoods and food security.
Among the identified projects includes drilling of boreholes, pasture, poultry, and apiculture in a bid to improve value addition in the livestock chain.
The Sh 200 million abattoir with the capacity to slaughter 1,000 goats and sheep and 400 cows per day is complete and an operator is expected to be on site mid next month.
The modernized Class A slaughterhouse in Marigat Sub County aims to boost local livestock value addition, reduce live animal transport and facilitate international meat exports.
Controversial Goat Venture However Livestock farmers who supplied goats to the December 2025 Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County are demanding payment nearly two months later, threatening protests against alleged fraud and selective payments by county officials.
While some payments were made, many farmers claim they are still waiting or received less than agreed, causing financial distress.
Unpaid Farmers allege they have not been paid for goats supplied during the December 2025 event attended by President William Ruto.
There are claims that brokers or county officials hijacked the process, paying themselves while leaving genuine farmers out, according to reports.
Frustrated farmers threatened to march to the Baringo County governor's office if they are not paid immediately.
Many farmers rely on this annual sale for crucial income, such as school fees, and are now struggling to get their rightful dues.
County officials acknowledged he delays, citing verification challenges, but assure that remaining payments will be processed soon.
Tents and traditional huts varnished ahead of previous Kimalel Goat Auction exercise./File
Governor Cheboi said 1088 farmers who delivered goats at Kimalel Goat Auction have been paid a total of Ksh. 74,802,000.00.
"They are the farmers who delivered between 1-15 goats. This figure represents 94.7% of goat deliveries at the December 22nd 2025" he said.
He said the rest of the farmers will be paid as soon as the verification exercise is completed. "I will update accordingly" he said.
The situation has created significant tension in Baringo County, turning a, what was intended to be, high-profile economic boost for local pastoralists into a source of neck-chocking controversy.
What's Your Reaction?
