Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto led a high-level security engagement including David Mpatiany, the South Rift, with County Commissioner John Cheruiyot alongside regional security heads, confirming improving stability metrics driven by sustained patrols and enforcement—now directly enabling business activity and investor confidence.

With this foundation, focus shifts to a rapidly opening mining frontier—gold, gemstones, limestone and gypsum—supported by better road access. Policy direction is clear: cap idle prospecting (More than 2 years), and ensure local communities capture value from extraction.

The engagement then moved to the Maralal livestock market, where Dr Erick Rutto held direct consultations with traders. Key ground realities emerged:

* High transport costs significantly eroding trader margins

* Inconsistent livestock quality and limited standardisation

* Weak aggregation systems limiting access to premium/export markets

At the same time, a clear growth pathway was reinforced through the KNCCI-backed 1M goats & sheep export MOU—with emphasis on upgrading vaccination, breeding, feeding and record-keeping to meet strict export health standards. The visit served both as real-time market intelligence gathering and grassroots sensitisation on available opportunities.

Bottom line: Improved security is now translating into active markets, investable mining, and a clearer pathway to export-scale livestock trade