The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has raised concerns about the government’s plan to roll out a mass cattle vaccination campaign set for January 2025.
In a statement dated December 17, KVA acknowledged the importance of combating livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) but flagged four key risks that could undermine the success of the campaign.
KVA noted that diseases like FMD and PPR have severely hampered international trade, leading to trade restrictions, loss of market access, and damaging Kenya’s reputation as a reliable exporter of livestock and animal products. However, the association warned that ignoring critical challenges could derail the vaccination efforts.
“While appreciating the importance of a national vaccination campaign, we must confront several residual issues that undermine its success from inception,” KVA stated.
The association first highlighted a credibility crisis in the government, arguing that the administration’s past failures have eroded public trust.
“This administration’s actions since it came to power have eroded any sense of public trust that Kenyans had in government institutions. From supplying fake fertiliser to unfulfilled promises, it’s hard to blame Kenyans for seeing conspiracies in such programmes,” KVA said.
KVA further pointed to the lack of public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement, stating that inadequate outreach has led to resistance and misinformation among livestock keepers and the general public.
The devolution of veterinary services was also flagged as a major challenge. KVA stated that poorly resourced veterinary departments in counties have created inconsistencies in implementing national strategies such as the FMD and PPR control plans.
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“This fragmentation undermines the effectiveness of disease control efforts, leaving livestock populations vulnerable and threatening national and regional food security,” KVA added.
Additionally, the association condemned the politicisation of the campaign, saying such interference diverts attention from the critical goal of disease control.
“We strongly condemn attempts by some politicians to politicise this vaccination exercise. Such actions risk alienating livestock keepers, jeopardising the programme’s success,” the statement read.
The concerns come after President William Ruto announced on November 8 a mass vaccination drive targeting over 22 million cattle, a move that has faced significant public backlash.
Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have been vocal critics of the planned exercise.
However, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja, on November 21, assured Kenyans of the vaccine’s safety. This assurance came after Kalonzo Musyoka publicly questioned the government’s preparedness and motives for the vaccination.
KVA called for urgent reforms and improved engagement to ensure the programme achieves its intended goal of controlling livestock diseases while securing national food security.