CS Mutahi Kagwe has emphasized the importance of livestock vaccination, urging farmers to protect their animals against diseases that threaten the country’s economy and international trade. Speaking at the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign in Kisargei village, Laikipia North, Kagwe stressed that while vaccination remains voluntary, it is crucial for safeguarding livestock and ensuring Kenya’s access to global markets.
The campaign comes in response to recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in various counties, including Kakamega, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia. These diseases, classified as “trade-sensitive” by the World Organization for Animal Health, have significantly impacted livestock productivity.
“Foot and Mouth Disease is highly contagious and can cause severe economic losses due to decreased milk production and reproduction rates. PPR, on the other hand, spreads rapidly among sheep and goats, with a mortality rate of up to 70%,” Kagwe noted.
The outbreaks have led to strict containment measures, including quarantines and market closures. In Kakamega, a quarantine was imposed on January 2, affecting livestock markets in Shinyalu and Lubao. In Trans Nzoia, where FMD was detected in November last year, movement restrictions remain in place, while West Pokot’s Chepararia area has been under quarantine since last month.
Farmers have been encouraged to present their animals for vaccination and adhere to biosecurity measures to curb the spread of these diseases. The government has already vaccinated thousands of livestock in affected counties and is now scaling up efforts nationwide. Last year alone, over three million sheep and goats, along with 570,000 cattle, were vaccinated in Kitui, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Wajir counties.
Laikipia was chosen as the launch site due to its central location, high livestock population, and the presence of both dairy and pastoral farming systems. Authorities expect to vaccinate approximately 345,000 cattle and 936,000 sheep and goats in the county.
The government has partnered with development agencies and industry stakeholders to fund the campaign, with pre- and post-vaccination surveys planned to assess its effectiveness. Kagwe expressed optimism that achieving FMD and PPR-free status would open lucrative markets in the UAE and the EU, enhancing farmers’ incomes and securing Kenya’s livestock sector.
“This vaccination programme marks Kenya’s journey towards international recognition of disease-free status, which will boost trade and improve livelihoods,” he concluded.
