Makueni County has been selected by the national government to pioneer the national animal health and breeding program.
The announcement was made by agriculture and livestock executive committee member Joyce Mutua.
The initiative, a nationwide effort, aims to bolster livestock health through extensive vaccination drives and the promotion of superior breeding practices.
Mutua said Makueni's selection was due to its outstanding record in conducting annual vaccination campaigns, integral to its broader strategy of combating livestock diseases.
Once the breeding quality is enhanced, the county plans to shield livestock from adverse weather conditions by providing insurance coverage.
Mutua spoke on Thursday during the launch of this year's livestock vaccination program in Nguu Masumba Ward, Kibwezi-West Sub-county.
This year's vaccination exercise will focus on protecting cattle from foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and Rift Valley fever.
Goats will be safeguarded against contagious caprine pleuropneumonia while poultry will also receive vaccinations against the Newcastle disease.
The vaccination program will span 485 vaccination sites, targeting over 15,000 households, with an objective of eradicating priority livestock diseases within the county.
Dr. Daniel Ksee, the county veterinary officer present at the event, reported that Makueni has successfully vaccinated more than 400,000 livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, over the past three years.
