It was a joyful Friday afternoon for residents of Mageragere sector in Nyarugenge district when the ministry of agriculture and animal resources (Minagri) was handing over fifty Friesian cows to as many vulnerable families of the sector.

Ernest Ruzindaza, the permanent secretary in Minagri, explained that the donation was promised by President Kagame when he last visited the area during the December community work.

"We came here today to make good on the President's promise to Mageragere residents," Ruzindaza said, adding that the selection of the beneficiaries was conducted by the local community itself.

Each of the animals, which have an estimated value of Frw 550,000 per head, is pregnant and therefore more residents will benefit from the donation in the near future.

According to Ruzindaza, with the cows came a basic package so that the beneficiaries can take care of them. The package comprises of a block of cattle salt and medicine used to avoid cattle ticks and other medicine given to vets of the sector who will monitor the cows.

Solange Mukasonga, the mayor of Nyarugenge district, expressed the hope that the animals will not only provide the beneficiaries with complete diet by consuming milk, but improve their agricultural production since they will be using manure.

"I live miserably relying on a small plot of about 30m/40m, but I hope to change my life significantly thanks to this cow," said one father of five.