President William Ruto/PCSSpeaking in Nandi, Ruto clarified that the main difference is that the government will cover the cost of the vaccine, rather than farmers bearing the expense.
He explained that this will ensure all animals are vaccinated, regardless of their owners' financial status.
“Sisi wote tumekuwa tukiona ng’ombe zikichanjwa juu ya foot and mouth disease. Kwani io ugonjwa imekuja Kenya juzi? Unasema tusipate chanjo utuambie sasa tufanye nini? (We’ve all been seeing cows being vaccinated for foot-and-mouth disease. Does that mean this disease just came to Kenya recently? If you’re saying we shouldn’t get the vaccine, then tell us what we should do instead,” he said.
Ruto emphasised that the vaccine will not be mandatory, adding that farmers who oppose it can choose not to participate.
He further noted that the program is designed to support all livestock farmers, similar to the way the government has been funding the coffee sector and sugarcane millers.
The Head of State reiterated his request to leaders to stop politicising the vaccination campaign saying it is unfortunate that politicians were playing with the livelihood of Kenyans and the country's economy.
On matters concerning livestock, Ruto also announced that the government has allocated Sh2 billion for the leather value chain.
He revealed that firms in Ewaso Nyiro and Nairobi are already helping to manufacture goods from leather.
“This is aimed at growing the livestock sector,” Ruto said.
Narok West MP Gabriel Koshal Tongoyo praised the national government for supporting livestock keepers through the vaccination program.
“What the government is doing is making sure that our products have more value and can access export markets,” he said.
He urged farmers not to be swayed by detractors and to ensure their livestock are vaccinated.
Their statements come amid criticism regarding the effectiveness of the vaccines.
Some livestock farmers have expressed concerns that the program may be intended to harm their herds.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the vaccination drive aims to target 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats.
The ministry has assured animal owners that the vaccines are safe and locally produced.
