President William Ruto has emphasized the transformative potential of the nationwide livestock vaccination programme set to commence in January 2025. The initiative, targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, seeks to combat trans-boundary diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, which have hindered the productivity of Kenya’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir County, President Ruto called on leaders and residents in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) to support the programme. He criticized those opposing the initiative as “unreasonable” and questioned their understanding of the livestock sector’s significance. “If you don’t have cattle, just shut up when we discuss livestock,” he remarked.
The President assured the public that vaccines are being produced locally by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), underscoring their safety and reliability. He noted that Kenya not only produces sufficient vaccines for domestic use but also exports them to other countries.
Unlocking Meat Export Potential
President Ruto highlighted the role of the vaccination campaign in expanding Kenya’s access to global meat markets. The prevalence of livestock diseases has limited the country’s competitiveness in these markets. By eradicating diseases, the programme aims to unlock the sector’s potential, contributing significantly to the economy and improving pastoralists’ livelihoods.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Policy and Financial Bottlenecks to Maximise Pastoralism Potential in Kenya,” provided a platform to address critical challenges in the livestock sector, including disease control, market access, and security concerns.
Tackling Insecurity and Poverty
In addition to livestock health, President Ruto announced measures to combat insecurity and poverty in ASAL regions. He lauded the modernisation of police equipment, which has reduced banditry and cattle rustling. The President called for collaborative efforts among leaders, residents, and security personnel to ensure peace and coexistence among pastoralist communities.
To address poverty and drought, President Ruto revealed that the government is implementing 1,200 development projects in ASAL areas using KSh18 billion from the Equalization Fund. These projects aim to transform the region by enhancing water harvesting and storage capabilities, thus unlocking agricultural and livestock potential.
The recently signed Water Bill is expected to boost these efforts, further mitigating the effects of drought and securing sustainable water resources for livestock and agricultural activities.
Strengthening Livestock Marketing and Education
President Ruto committed to appointing members to the Livestock Marketing Board, emphasizing its role in organizing pastoralists into cooperatives and ensuring equitable market access. The State Department of Livestock has been tasked with ensuring the board represents diverse interests from across the country.
He also urged pastoralist communities to embrace education by enrolling in teaching courses. The President highlighted the recurrent challenge of teacher shortages in ASAL regions, often exacerbated by insecurity. Developing local teaching capacity, he argued, would ensure schools remain adequately staffed during crises.
Building on Pastoralist Summit Successes
Reflecting on the evolution of the Pastoralist Leadership Summit, President Ruto lauded its impact on peace, security, and development. He noted that previous summits in Narok, Isiolo, and Garissa had successfully addressed critical issues such as infrastructure deficits, operationalization of the Equalization Fund, and climate resilience.
Partnerships for Progress
Leaders present at the summit, including Cabinet Secretaries Beatrice Askul and Aden Duale, governors, and MPs, expressed their support for the government’s initiatives. Pastoralists Parliamentary Group Patron Dido Rasso thanked President Ruto for allocating KSh1 billion to the Livestock Fund, which will enable pastoralists to restock livestock lost during droughts.
President Ruto closed the summit with a call for unity and inclusivity, urging leaders to build bridges and focus on advancing Kenya’s development agenda.
