The government of Kenya is intensifying efforts to combat livestock diseases through a nationwide vaccination campaign launched in October 2024. This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, aims to protect the country’s livestock industry from devastating diseases, ensuring their competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has emphasized that the primary goal of this campaign is to curb and eventually eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats. These transboundary diseases have been a persistent threat, causing significant economic losses and reducing productivity in the livestock sector.
Kenya’s livestock sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting millions of farmers and contributing to food security. However, outbreaks of FMD and PPR have had severe consequences, including high mortality rates, reduced productivity, and restrictions on market access.
The economic impact of these diseases is staggering, with losses estimated at KSh 62 billion annually. These losses stem from revenue declines due to market closures, increased treatment costs, and mortality rates that can reach up to 70% during severe outbreaks. Without proper control measures, the effects on food security and livelihoods could be devastating.
Kenya is home to approximately 22 million cattle, 23 million sheep, 35 million goats, and 4.3 million camels. Protecting these animals is essential for sustaining the agricultural economy. The government’s vaccination strategy follows internationally recognized guidelines, aligning with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the World Trade Organization’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
The national strategy for PPR control (2017-2027) and the Risk-Based Strategic Plan for FMD control (2019) provide a structured approach to disease eradication. Developed in consultation with county governments and other stakeholders, these plans aim to establish a disease-free status, boosting Kenya’s ability to export livestock and animal products.
Despite these efforts, disease control has not been uniformly applied across all regions, limiting the effectiveness of previous interventions. To address this, the government is calling for widespread participation from livestock farmers to ensure maximum coverage of vaccinations. This will help curb the spread of diseases and enhance Kenya’s position as a reliable livestock producer in the global market.
In conclusion, livestock vaccination is not just a health measure it is an economic and food security strategy. By investing in comprehensive vaccination programs, Kenya can safeguard its livestock industry, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen its agricultural economy for years to come.
