The government has officially launched an ambitious nationwide livestock vaccination campaign in Laikipia County. The program aims to vaccinate at least 22 million cattle and million goats and sheep over the next three years to protect livestock from major diseases.
Despite the initiative’s potential benefits, it has encountered resistance from some farmers and political leaders, primarily due to misinformation regarding the vaccines. In response, government officials have reassured farmers about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination program, emphasizing that it is in their best interest.
Leaders involved in the initiative have dismissed concerns about the vaccines as baseless propaganda. They pointed out that similar misinformation campaigns emerged during the COVID-19 vaccination drive and urged farmers to focus on scientific facts rather than speculation. However, authorities have also emphasized that participation in the program remains voluntary, and no farmer will be compelled to vaccinate their animals.
The local administration has taken a firm stance in supporting the initiative. Officials in Laikipia have announced that unvaccinated cattle will not be allowed into the county, reinforcing the importance of the campaign in disease control. The vaccination drive is particularly targeted at combating foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague.
Kenya has the third-largest livestock population in Africa, following Sudan and Somalia, with approximately 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats. Given the economic significance of livestock farming in the country, immunization is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the industry and ensuring that farmers can maximize their returns. Authorities have highlighted that Kenya’s ability to export meat and dairy products is hindered by concerns over animal diseases, making widespread vaccination essential for opening international markets.
In addition to disease prevention, officials have underscored the economic benefits of the initiative, assuring farmers that the government is committed to supporting livestock keepers in the same way it has supported crop farmers. The broader goal is to enhance income opportunities for those involved in livestock farming by improving the quality of their animals and securing better market access.
Misinformation surrounding the program has included unfounded claims that international figures are funding the initiative with ulterior motives and that the vaccines could alter the genetics of livestock. Experts have strongly refuted these claims, stating that the vaccines are routine immunizations similar to those that have been administered for decades. Farmers have been urged to trust veterinary professionals and scientific evidence rather than conspiracy theories.
The government remains determined to see the program succeed, stressing that the long-term benefits of livestock vaccination far outweigh any misconceptions. By ensuring the health of animals through immunization, the initiative aims to strengthen the livestock sector, improve economic prospects for herders, and position the country as a reliable supplier of meat and dairy products to global markets.
