“Tunaingia TUTAM Ruto Akileta SHA ya Mbuzi na Ng’ombe,” Maasai Man Says

A Maasai man has gone viral after making an emotional appeal to President William Ruto, asking the government to extend Social Health Authority (SHA) support to livestock.

In a video shared online, the man said pastoralists are struggling to keep their animals alive due to prolonged dry conditions, disease outbreaks, and the rising cost of veterinary medicine.

He argued that if goats and cows could benefit from a form of insurance similar to SHA, pastoralist communities would have an easier time coping with the challenges they face.

“Habari zenu wa Kenya, ambieni Ruto tunangangana na kiangazi. Mbuzi wako huko kwa jua, ngombe wako huko kwa jua, tutafutie SHA, tutafutie SHA bwana.”

The man said drought continues to place enormous pressure on livestock keepers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on healthy animals.

Maasai Man Pleas for Livestock Support

According to the pastoralist, many animals become sick during periods of extreme heat, forcing owners to spend large amounts of money on treatment.

He said veterinary medicines have become expensive, making it difficult for many herders to care for their animals.

“Unangangana na hii jua, ukienda hulali, mbuzi ni wagonjwa, unangangana tena kutafuta madawa, madawa inapanda bei.”

He further joked that pastoralists would strongly support President Ruto if livestock received the same level of protection that SHA provides to Kenyans seeking healthcare.

“Tukipata SHA ya mbuzi na ng’ombe, tunaingia TUTAM Ruto.”

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Social Media Reactions

The video attracted mixed reactions from Kenyans online, with some interpreting the man’s remarks as a call for livestock insurance rather than SHA itself.

One user wrote,”He promised them insurance for their livestock. He is not mad. What he doesn’t know is the difference between livestock insurance and SHA.”

Another user said,”He’s advocating for livestock insurance. Brilliant idea.”

Others pointed out that livestock insurance programmes already exist in Kenya and help protect pastoralists against losses caused by drought and other risks.

“Nothing strange here. Pastoralist animals can already be insured. That’s a form of SHA.”

Another commenter added,”He’s very right, we need veterinary insurance for our cows.”

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Challenges Facing Pastoralists

While some people laughed at the remarks, the video highlighted genuine challenges facing pastoralist communities across Kenya.

Many herders struggle with recurring droughts that dry up water sources and grazing fields.

During severe droughts, animals often become weak, sick, or die, leaving families without their main source of income.

Pastoralists also face rising veterinary costs, limited access to animal healthcare services, food insecurity, and low livestock prices during drought periods.

Since livestock serve as a source of food, income, school fees, and savings for many pastoralist families, the loss of animals can have devastating economic consequences.

Livestock Insurance in Kenya

Kenya already has livestock insurance programmes designed to protect pastoralists from losses caused by drought and other climate-related risks.

The government, together with development partners, has expanded livestock insurance coverage in several arid and semi-arid counties to help vulnerable communities recover from climate shocks.

Although these programmes exist, many pastoralists remain unaware of them or have not yet enrolled.

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Pastoralists in the field
PHOTO/NO