Airtel has boosted the Girinka programme, distributing 50 exotic dairy cows to rural farmers over  the past few months as part of its efforts to support the government initiative that started in 2006. The firm also targets to give out over 60 Friesian cows to lucky customers in the ongoing ‘Birahebuje’ promotion. "The promotion is aimed at improving the living standards of the poor, and also to reward customers,” Marcellin Paluku, the Airtel country manager, said. "We want to make a difference in the lives of Rwandans through innovative promotions that help improve the lives of customers. We are confident that the Friesian cows we give out will boost household incomes and enhance agri-bsusiness in Rwanda,” he said.  Anna Uwumwami, one of the people who won dairy cattle in the promotion, said it will help her pay school fees for her children. Andrew Kagabo, the Girinka programme national co-ordinator, said they welcome any efforts geared at supporting the project. He said about 350,000 families will have benefitted from the initiative by 2017. Girinka aims at improving household income and nutrition levels among the population. Kagabo said over 145,016 families have so far benefitted under the programme.