The Kenyan government has reaffirmed the safety of vaccines planned for a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign set to begin in January 2025.
Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, assured farmers of the initiative’s integrity, urging their cooperation to ensure its success.
Addressing Public Concerns
Speaking to the media, CS Karanja emphasized that the vaccines are locally manufactured and have been tested for safety.
He outlined the campaign’s objective of creating a coordinated approach to combating livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
“What has been happening in the past is that livestock in one county are vaccinated, but in the other, they are not, and there is a lot of movement of livestock. So it becomes a waste of resources,” Karanja explained.
He reassured the public that the vaccines are produced by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), a reputable organization supplying vaccines both locally and to neighboring countries like Uganda.
“These are safe vaccines which have been tested and tried. It is not something we are trying to get from outside to use on our animals,” he added.
President Ruto Champions Vaccination Drive
President William Ruto has also come out strongly in support of the vaccination program, emphasizing its role in improving livestock health and boosting Kenya’s meat export potential.
Speaking during the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir County, the President criticized those opposing the initiative, labeling their objections as baseless.
“Those opposing the programme are unreasonable and maybe they don’t have cattle. When we have a conversation about livestock, just shut up if you don’t have cattle,” he remarked.
The vaccination campaign will target 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, a move the President says will help Kenya overcome barriers to accessing international meat markets.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the vaccines we are using are produced by Kenyans. We have a large production of vaccines in Kenya, some of which we supply to other countries,” President Ruto clarified.
Supporting Pastoralist Communities
The President also addressed challenges faced by pastoralist communities, such as poverty and insecurity.
He announced government plans to modernize police equipment and implement measures to combat drought in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
The government’s comprehensive approach aims to secure livestock health, enhance pastoralists’ livelihoods, and boost Kenya’s position in the global meat trade.
