Goat racing competition in Laikipia attracts hundreds

The goat racing competition held on Sunday brought together young and old people, who enjoyed the fun-filled contest that involves goats participating in several 100m hits.

In the derby, the goats run and the first one to cross the finishing line is declared the winner.

Speaking during the two-day event, Lalanasi General Manager Daniel Kamau said this was an event of its kind that attracted a diverse crowd of people across the region.

He said apart from promoting local tourism and agribusiness, especially for young people, the event was also meant to create awareness of diverse investment opportunities in farming, livestock keeping, and the need for environmental conservation.

Though not a popular sporting activity, Kamau observed that despite its uniqueness and fun, it was a moment to educate residents and participants on the importance of rearing dairy goats.

Although the main event is goat racing, where people can place bets for their favourite goat to win, there is much more to be seen and to be done.

Before the race begins, participants (handlers) identify their preferred goat and they are marked for identification. Participants then join in to chase their preferred goats to the finish line.

According to some of the participants, it was a fun-filled weekend of its kind, save for some challenges that came with some of the goats failing to run as they would wish, and this forced them to derive methods to drive them to the finish line.

Munyaka division Assistant County Commissioner Ms. Edith Koech praised the event saying it will help young people engage in agribusiness and also adapt meaningful ways of making a living.

She underscored the need for environmental conservation through tree planting saying the area lacked reliable rains and hence most families experience biting hunger as a result.