Boost for livestock farmers from Lake Region as an innovative platform that will address the critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing essential vaccines has been launched in Kenya.
The initiative will be piloted in Kisumu county, Kenya over the next seven months and also seeks to revolutionise livestock vaccine distribution across East Africa.
Cowtribe East Africa Region Impact and Growth Director Gillian Koech highlighted their goal to enhance livestock health and productivity for Kenyan farmers.
Koech emphasized that Cowtribe utilizes innovative technologies such as drones to expedite vaccine delivery and ensure timely and high-quality access to farmers.
She said the project will start in Kisumu and expand across eight counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc including Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Kericho, and Nyamira.
This is following its remarkable success in Ghana, where it has revolutionised the animal health sector.
Koech explained that Cowtribe’s innovative platform addresses the critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing essential vaccines.
Livestock diseases cause annual losses of about 25 per cent of animals, yet less than 15 per cent of smallholder farmers can't obtain these crucial vaccines due to high transportation costs, a congested supply chain, and inadequate cold chain infrastructure.
“Starting in Ghana, Cowtribe has pioneered a transformative supply chain model that simplifies the vaccine distribution process, allowing direct delivery from the factory to the farm. This approach has drastically reduced transportation costs and ensured timely access to vaccines, resulting in significant improvements in livestock health and farmer incomes,"
She added that Cowtribe’s model has proven to be highly effective, with expedited, delivery at no charge through a highly automated, low-cost “virtual vaccine dispensary” system.
Koech noted that to ensure swift and reliable vaccine delivery, Cowtribe has partnered with third-party logistics provider Zipline.
“Using drone technology, Zipline ensures vaccines are delivered directly to farmers’ doorsteps, ensuring that even the most remote farmers can access the vaccines they need to protect their livestock."
She added that by providing reliable access to vaccines and leveraging technology for efficient health management, Cowtribe aims to build resilient livestock systems that support economic stability and food security for Kenyan farmers.
“We are thrilled to bring our proven vaccine distribution model to Kenya. Our goal is to empower Kenyan farmers with the tools they need to improve livestock health and productivity.”
According to Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, the Cowtribe’s innovative approach, which leverages technology to connect veterinarians, farmers, and vaccine manufacturers, will undoubtedly complement their ongoing efforts.
Nyong’o said by ensuring that vaccines and other essential animal healthcare services reach the county farmers swiftly and efficiently, Cowtribe will play a pivotal role in enhancing livestock health and, consequently, improving the livelihoods of our farming communities.
He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, veterinary professionals, and community leaders, to embrace this opportunity and work collaboratively towards their common goals and should all support Cowtribe in its mission and ensure its services reach every corner of Kisumu County.
“I am confident that the synergy between Cowtribe’s expertise and our local initiatives will create a powerful force for positive change. Together, we can build a future where our farmers are empowered, our livestock are healthier, and our agricultural sector thrives”.
The governor in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Mathews Owili noted that livestock farming is a cornerstone of their local economy, providing livelihoods for many families and contributing significantly to our agricultural sector.
However, he noted that they are all too familiar with their farmers’ challenges in accessing timely and reliable veterinary care.
These challenges, Nyong’o noted have often resulted in preventable losses and hindered the growth and prosperity of our livestock industry.
“We appreciate Cowtribe for choosing Kisumu County as their first destination beyond West Africa. Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to making a difference. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and many success stories in the years to come”.