Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew
Karanja has assured farmers that livestock vaccines are thoroughly tested
and safe for their animals.
The CS reiterated the government’s commitment to support farmers, noting that everything is set for the nationwide livestock vaccination campaign scheduled for January.
Karanja pointed out the importance of upholding high standards for livestock products to promote the sector’s growth.
“The Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute has ensured the availability of a sufficient supply of high quality vaccines for the initiative.”
Karanja spoke during a visit to Kevevapi ahead of the mass livestock vaccination. Kevevapi, established on March 5, 1990, has the expertise and facilities to produce 15 livestock vaccines.
Currently, the institute produces 13. Karanja said the livestock industry faces significant challenges, including animal diseases that hinder access to local and international markets.
“The economic cost of trade-sensitive diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, has been a burden on livestock producers. This has led to high poverty levels and reduced life expectancy, particularly in pastoral areas,” he said.
“The government recognises animal diseases as a major constraint to the growth of the livestock sector. Continuous vaccination against identified diseases of economic importance is essential to minimising the losses incurred during outbreaks.”
The success of animal health programmes depends on reliable supply of pure, safe, potent, and effective vaccines.
“Kevevapi has the national mandate to produce, market, and distribute quality veterinary vaccines to meet national animal health objectives,” Karanja said.
The institute operates two vaccine production laboratories: one in the Industrial Area for foot and mouth disease vaccines, and another in Kabete for the production of 11 other vaccines.
The vaccines are for Peste des Petits Ruminants, Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Rift Valley Fever, Fowl Pox, Turkey Pox, Orf, Fowl Typhoid, Sheep and Goat Pox, Newcastle, Blue Tongue, and Lumpy Skin diseases.
Karanja said the production of major vaccines has steadily increased due to growing demand from the counties, as well as enhanced access to regional and international markets, including Uganda, Mali, Senegal, Somaliland, UAE, Sudan and South Sudan.
He assured the vaccines are rigorously tested both locally and externally.
“The vaccines have been found fit for use in Kenya and beyond. Over the years, the government has supported the institute to expand its vaccine manufacturing capabilities. KEVEVAPI now has the capacity to produce up to 75 million doses of vaccines. These vaccines are sold to private veterinarians, counties, and exported to various African countries and beyond.”
