CS MUTAHI KAGWE LAUNCH NATIONWIDE LIVESTOCK VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

oxfarmorganic@gmail.com Farming News January 30, 2025

CS Mutahi Kagwe officially launched the Nationwide Livestock Vaccination Campaign at Segera Ward, Laikipia County. This transformative three-year voluntary initiative aims to protect Kenya’s livestock by administering biannual vaccinations for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and annual vaccinations for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). This campaign aligns with national disease control strategies.

Transboundary livestock diseases such as FMD and PPR pose severe threats to cattle, sheep, and goats, leading to substantial losses in productivity, market closures, and economic setbacks. The economic impact is estimated at KSH 62 billion in lost revenue. Recent FMD outbreaks have already necessitated quarantines in Kakamega, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia counties.

The Kenyan government, in partnership with County Governments, remains committed to eradicating these diseases through a stepwise, internationally recognized control strategy aimed at securing official disease-free status from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Vaccines will be locally sourced from Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute – KEVEVAPI, with county veterinary personnel and private animal health service providers administering them.

Speaking during the launch, CS Kagwe urged farmers to avail their livestock for vaccination as scheduled, highlighting the collective role in securing livestock health, boosting productivity, and protecting livelihoods. He was joined by Laikipia Governor H.E. Joshua Irungu, EGH , PS Jonathan Mueke, Director Veterinary Services Dr. Allan Azegele, KEVEVAPI MD Dr. alex Sabuni and other senior ministry officials.