Kirinyaga rolls out digital livestock registration, targets 80,000 cattle

The exercise is being carried out alongside a mass vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), targeting 80,000 cattle across the county.

The digital system is expected to capture data on ownership, production, and medical history of animals.

So far, more than 11,000 cattle have been vaccinated as part of the ongoing campaign. The vaccination programme is subsidised, with the government covering Sh150 per animal.

County officials say the registration and vaccination efforts are part of wider measures to manage livestock diseases and improve data for the sector. The digital records are also expected to support monitoring of livestock movement and help address cattle theft.

Some farmers have reported reduced costs and easier access to services during the exercise, as vaccinations are being carried out at farm level.

Margaret Wambui, a dairy farmer in the county, said her 12 cows were vaccinated at home, saving on transport and time.

CECM for Agriculture, Dr. John Gachara, said the county is working closely with the national government to eliminate FMD. "We are currently undertaking our annual vaccination programme and targeting to make Kirinyaga a FMD disease-free zone."