Kenya wins bid to host first-ever World Veterinary Congress in Africa

Kenya has become the first African country to secure hosting rights for the prestigious World Veterinary Association (WVA) Congress, marking a major milestone that cements the country's growing influence in global animal health and veterinary science.

The 2028 congress is expected to bring together more than 2,000 veterinarians, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from across the world, providing a boost to Kenya's tourism, hospitality and meetings industry while showcasing the country's advances in livestock health, food safety and disease control.

The successful bid comes as Kenya gains international recognition for strengthening regulation of veterinary medicines and promoting responsible antimicrobial use—key measures in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world's biggest public health threats.

Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) Honorary Secretary Carol Khaemba described the achievement as historic.

"We are the first African country to win this bid and host the World Veterinary Association Congress. This is a win not only for Kenya but for the entire African continent," she said.

The livestock sector remains one of Kenya's economic pillars, contributing about 12 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product and between 40 and 42 per cent of agricultural GDP, according to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

The country's growing reputation was further reinforced after veterinary surgeon Dr. Josiah Mandieka received the World Veterinary Association Award for Veterinary Medicines Stewardship in recognition of Kenya's efforts to strengthen oversight of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Mandieka said the award reflects the country's progress in building robust systems to regulate veterinary medicines from manufacturing and importation to distribution and responsible use.

"This is a very humbling experience for Kenya. It demonstrates that Kenya has the capacity to manage veterinary medicines from manufacturing and importation to distribution and responsible use," he said.

Kenya established the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in 2017 as its first dedicated regulator of veterinary pharmaceuticals. The reforms have strengthened oversight of veterinary drugs, improved food safety and enhanced confidence in Kenyan livestock products in export markets.

Industry stakeholders say hosting the global congress presents an opportunity to showcase Kenya's expertise in disease surveillance, food safety, climate-smart livestock production and animal welfare while strengthening partnerships with international researchers and investors.

Despite the milestone, veterinarians say stronger enforcement of existing animal health laws remains essential to safeguard public health.

Kenya Veterinary Association Council Member Dr. Daniel Muasya said illegal slaughter, poor animal welfare practices and unqualified individuals administering veterinary medicines continue to threaten livestock production and consumer safety.

He called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations to ensure only qualified professionals handle veterinary medicines and animal healthcare.