Strengthening Local Governance through Livestock Keepers Associations Elections

Livestock Keepers Associations elections celebration in Kiteto District

Elections FacilitatedComplete

The KINNAPA Development Programme, under the Livestock and Climate System Resilience (LCSR) Project funded by ILRI through the CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate, successfully facilitated Livestock Keepers Associations (LKA) elections across three major clusters in Kiteto District, in collaboration with the Kiteto District Council's Community Development and Livestock Departments.

Strengthening Leadership and Governance

A Constitutional, Democratic Process

The elections were conducted in accordance with the LKA Constitution, which mandates leadership renewal every three years to ensure accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable governance within pastoralist communities. Each cluster's General Assembly nominated and elected their executive members through an open and democratic process, where candidates secured positions by obtaining more than 50% of the total votes cast.

📍 Alolle

📍 Kimbo

📍 Napalai

⏸ Olengapa (coaching, no election)

Facilitator addressing cluster general assembly

Cluster members gathered for election proceedings

Election Outcomes

New Leadership Across Three Clusters

Kimbo Cluster

Msando Parlais — Chairperson (55 votes)

Kunyae Olopuki, Vice-Chairperson

Other elected leaders: Lemalali Sadala (Secretary), Mwijuma Ayubu (Assistant Secretary), Moses Lekombo (Treasurer). The twelve-member committee was carefully balanced with six men and six women.

Napalai Cluster

Meshack Issack — Chairperson

Baraka Kimisura, Vice-Chairperson

Daniel Lemomo (Secretary), Esta Ngalai (Assistant Secretary), Jackey John (Treasurer). Fifteen committee members were appointed from four sub-villages for equitable representation.

Alolle Cluster

Estomi Martin — Chairperson

Maingwa Ormokoroi, Vice-Chairperson

Kambona Sharit (Secretary), Emmanuel Keembwa (Assistant Secretary), Soyet Vicent (Treasurer). Sixteen committee members were elected from sub-villages including Amei, Loolera, Lembapuli, and Lesoit.

Olengapa Cluster

📍 Term Not Yet Expired

Capacity Strengthening Instead of Elections

KINNAPA & Kiteto District Council

Since Olengapa's leadership term had not yet expired, no new elections were held. Instead, KINNAPA and the District Council focused on capacity strengthening and governance coaching for existing leaders — improving communication among pastoral groups, record keeping, and implementation of Cluster Management Plans.

These elections represent a vital step toward inclusive governance and community ownership in the management of communal grazing lands.

Building Capacity for Effective Governance

Training the Newly Elected Leaders

Following the elections, KINNAPA conducted governance and leadership training for all newly elected leaders. The training focused on the LKA Constitution, operational rules, and cluster management plans — empowering leaders to manage communal resources responsibly, strengthen transparency, and promote sustainable rangeland management.

Newly elected leaders gathered after governance training

By ensuring gender-balanced leadership and strengthening local structures, KINNAPA continues to support pastoralist communities in achieving resilience, equity, and sustainability.

Strengthening Local Governance through Livestock Keepers Associations Elections in Kiteto District