Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has emphasized the importance of a nationwide livestock vaccination program to enhance the international marketability of Kenya’s livestock and related products. Addressing critics on Thursday, the Deputy President clarified the government’s rationale, aiming to reassure farmers and the public about the long-term benefits of the initiative.
Speaking 50 days into his tenure as Kenya’s third Deputy President, Kindiki highlighted the necessity of achieving global export standards for livestock products. He explained that the vaccination drive is part of a broader strategy to access lucrative markets in Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“What the Government is saying about vaccination is that we have certain targets as a country to grow the livestock sector and its value chain. For us to reach those targets, we need to access European markets, the Middle East market, and even the regional market,” said Kindiki during his first media interview since assuming office.
Decades-Old Practice with New Ambitions
Kindiki sought to debunk misconceptions about the program, asserting that livestock vaccination has been a standard practice in Kenya for over 40 years. However, he admitted that communication gaps had contributed to resistance from some quarters.
“We’ve been vaccinating about 10% of livestock, but this is insufficient. Many of our livestock products are rejected in international markets because of inadequate vaccination coverage,” Kindiki noted. “The vaccine was developed by Kenyan scientists and has always been used. This campaign is about gaining market access and exporting livestock and livestock products.”
The government aims to increase vaccination coverage from 10% to over 80%, a move expected to facilitate the export of live animals, beef, and other products to global markets.
Criticism and Communication Challenges
Despite the program’s potential benefits, it has faced opposition from sections of the public who question its necessity. Kindiki acknowledged these concerns, attributing them to inadequate public awareness and ineffective communication from government agencies.
“We agree that we need to create awareness and carry citizens along in our programs,” he said. “As Government, we must communicate in a manner consistent with our constitutional obligations to the people.”
The Deputy President also underscored the economic implications of the initiative, explaining that improved livestock health would lead to increased market access and higher incomes for farmers.
Ambitious Vaccination Goals
Set to commence in January 2025, the vaccination program targets 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep. This large-scale initiative aims to curb the spread of animal diseases that have previously hindered Kenya’s ability to meet international export standards.
President William Ruto echoed these sentiments during the Maa Cultural Festival in Samburu last month, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vaccination to unlock both local and international markets for livestock products.
“This program will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” President Ruto stated.
Global and Regional Market Expansion
The vaccination campaign aligns with Kenya’s vision of expanding its agricultural exports under AfCFTA and other trade agreements. By ensuring livestock health, the country seeks to strengthen its position in global markets and build a sustainable value chain around livestock farming.
Kindiki’s clarification and commitment to improving communication mark a step toward addressing public skepticism and fostering collaboration with farmers and stakeholders. With the government’s ambitious vaccination program on the horizon, the focus now shifts to implementation and ensuring its success in transforming Kenya’s livestock industry.
