Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has officially launched a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign aimed at combating various transboundary diseases.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the health of the national herd and secure access to both local and international markets for livestock products.
According to the Agriculture CS, the three-year voluntary initiative, launched in Segera Ward, Laikipia County, aims to protect Kenya’s livestock by administering biannual vaccinations for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and annual vaccinations for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
“Transboundary livestock diseases such as FMD and PPR pose severe threats to cattle, sheep, and goats, leading to substantial losses in productivity, market closures, and economic setbacks,” he stated.
The Ministry revealed that the economic impact of these diseases is estimated at Ksh 62 billion in lost revenue.
Recent outbreaks of FMD have already necessitated quarantines in Kakamega, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia counties.
The Ministry of Agriculture asserts that the Kenyan government, in partnership with County Governments, remains committed to eradicating these diseases through a stepwise, internationally recognized control strategy aimed at securing official disease-free status from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
“Vaccines will be sourced locally from KEVEVAPI, with county veterinary personnel and private animal health service providers administering them,” the Ministry noted.
