Preparations for the rollout of the highly-anticipated nationwide livestock vaccination are in full swing, with national and county officials converging in Nairobi to plan for it.
The campaign is set to commence this month and aims to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) among cattle, goats, and sheep.
Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said they are targeting an 80 per cent herd immunity rate.
County Directors of Veterinary Services from all 47 counties who attended the meeting discussed the objectives of the campaign.
"With the collaboration of national and county governments, private vets, farmers, and other stakeholders, we are going to eliminate these diseases,” Mueke stated.
He stressed that the programme's success could open up new local and international markets for Kenyan livestock and livestock products.
“A successful campaign will improve livestock health, and boost market opportunities for Kenyan livestock products," he added.
According to the PS, the government has allocated 1.3 million vaccines for the programme.
The vaccines are manufactured locally by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), a state corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The agency is responsible for the production, marketing and distribution of animal vaccines.
It follows successful pilot projects conducted in Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Wajir counties over the last six months, which set the stage for the nationwide launch.
He also encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to take part in this effort to secure the health and sustainability of the country’s livestock sector.
“By eliminating major livestock diseases, the goal is to enhance productivity, improve food security, and strengthen the competitiveness of Kenyan livestock in global markets,” he said.
President William Ruto is set to officially launch the exercise targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats.
Farmers will not be charged any fee to have their animals vaccinated, Ruto said in a past event.
