Kisumu County has taken a groundbreaking step in modernizing livestock healthcare by partnering with Cowtribe Organization to implement drone-based vaccine delivery. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and reach of veterinary services, thereby significantly reducing livestock losses and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the region.
The launch event, held in Nyando Sub-County, was graced by Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, who underscored the importance of this collaboration in Kisumu’s dairy sector. “This launch marks a significant milestone,” Owili stated. “Cowtribe’s innovative approach leverages technology to connect veterinarians, farmers, and vaccine manufacturers, augmenting our ongoing efforts to achieve 100 percent livestock vaccination.”
Cowtribe, a US-based company specializing in animal healthcare and vaccine production, will utilize Kenya’s medical drone network operated by Zipline. Located in Chemelil, Kisumu, Zipline has been providing drone delivery services across the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) since 2021. The network is renowned for its on-demand and emergency deliveries of high-priority medical products, including vaccines and medications.
Dr. Owili, representing Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o at the event, highlighted the need to optimize the livestock sector for its full potential. “Timely vaccination is the best way to control livestock diseases. The enhanced access to vaccines, vitamins, and dewormers provided by Cowtribe will help reduce high livestock mortality rates and improve production, thus increasing farmers’ incomes,” he observed.
Cowtribe’s initiative will begin with a seven-month pilot phase targeting eight counties within LREB, including Kisumu, Kericho, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Narok. Following the pilot, the program is expected to expand to other counties, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing livestock health across Kenya.
Gillian Koech, Cowtribe’s Director of Growth & Impact, emphasized the role of Zipline in this transformative effort. “Using drone technology shortens the time for a farmer to receive a vaccine and ensures the quality of the vaccine is maintained before it is administered to animals,” Koech explained. The drones will deliver vaccines directly to farmers, significantly improving the speed and efficiency of vaccine distribution.
Cowtribe has developed a comprehensive platform that allows small-scale farmers to register their livestock details, including location, number, and type of animals. This data helps establish an accurate database, informs vaccine production, and monitors disease outbreaks. Farmers can place vaccine orders virtually through the app, and the product is dispatched and delivered within 30 minutes, depending on the location.
The system is designed to function as a virtual vaccine dispensary. Farmers can view available vaccines for various diseases and receive schedules on doses and vaccination procedures. Koech noted, “We hope this will make it easier for farmers in rural areas with limited road access to receive vaccines affordably. All we need is an open ground where the drone can drop the package during delivery.”
During the launch, approximately 500 domestic animals, including dogs, sheep, cattle, goats, and poultry, were vaccinated against common diseases such as anthrax, rabies, fowl pox, and foot and mouth disease. This hands-on demonstration highlighted the immediate benefits of the drone-based delivery system in safeguarding animal health.
With Kenya becoming the second African country where Cowtribe operates after Ghana, the partnership represents a significant advancement in livestock healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge technology into veterinary services, Kisumu County is setting a precedent for how modern solutions can address traditional agricultural challenges, ultimately transforming the livestock sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
