The government will initiate a national livestock vaccination campaign in January 2025, targeting the immunization of 22 million cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The program, spearheaded by President William Ruto, aims to safeguard the livestock industry, which is a critical driver of economic development and job creation, according to Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja.
Creating a Disease-Free Livestock Sector
Speaking during a visit to the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), Dr. Karanja underscored the importance of eradicating livestock diseases to facilitate trade and enhance meat production.
“We need to trade the animals for meat, and to do so, we must create a disease-free country. Vaccination is key to achieving this goal,” he said.
The CS urged Kenyans to disregard misinformation about the vaccination program, labeling such claims as conspiracy theories. He reassured the public of the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, which are locally produced and tested at KEVEVAPI and certified by the African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC).
Economic Benefits and Access to Markets
Dr. Karanja highlighted the benefits of a disease-free status, including reduced reliance on antibiotics, improved productivity, and access to domestic and international markets. He emphasized that the vaccination program would create jobs along the value chain while boosting the economic viability of the livestock sector.
“Our vaccines are affordable, and KEVEVAPI has the capacity to meet the country’s needs while exporting to nine African nations and beyond,” the CS noted, adding that KEVEVAPI produces 75 million vaccine doses annually.
Government Support for Livestock Farmers
The CS assured livestock farmers that the government is committed to the program’s success. He called on farmers to participate by presenting their animals for vaccination and emphasized collaboration with county governments and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
“KEVEVAPI has been in operation since 1964 and has the expertise and facilities to produce vaccines that meet local and international standards. This program is for the benefit of farmers and the nation at large,” Dr. Karanja added.
First Comprehensive Government-Facilitated Vaccination Program
Director of Veterinary Services (DVS) Dr. Allan Azegele praised the initiative, marking it as the first deliberate government-led vaccination effort in Kenya. He assured farmers that all vaccines have undergone rigorous quality assurance and urged them to cooperate with county extension teams to ensure the program’s success.
“This program is built on the principle that prevention is better than cure. Preventing disease is more cost-effective and ensures higher productivity and income for farmers,” Dr. Azegele explained.
Preventing Disease Outbreaks
Dr. Azegele warned that outbreaks of notifiable diseases could devastate the livestock sector, leading to significant economic losses from reduced production, loss of export markets, and costly containment measures.
The vaccination initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to boost productivity in the dairy, meat, and leather value chains as part of the broader agriculture pillar.
Farmers are urged to prepare for the exercise and work closely with county teams to ensure their animals are vaccinated promptly.
