Kenya rolls out digital livestock reforms as drought risks grow

The government has unveiled sweeping digital reforms aimed at transforming Kenya’s livestock sector and reducing losses from drought, disease and weak surveillance systems.

Speaking during the Veterinarian of the Year Awards in Nairobi, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the country is shifting from reactive crisis response to proactive, data-driven preparedness.

He announced plans to roll out digital animal traceability for all livestock, supported by a centralised national data platform and stronger county veterinary networks.

Kagwe warned that delayed interventions after animals have already died are costly and unsustainable, urging counties, the private sector and development partners to collaborate ahead of the next drought season.

He said the reforms are designed to help predict risks early, improve disease surveillance and protect pastoralist communities in arid and semi-arid regions.

However, the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) raised concern over a severe shortage of veterinary professionals, saying it threatens public health, food safety and animal welfare.

The association noted that low pay and harsh working conditions have worsened staffing gaps, limiting early detection and response to diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever.

KVA National Chairman Dr. Kelvin Osore said Kenya has only about 2,800 veterinary surgeons and 17,000 technicians, with fewer than 200 vets employed by national and county governments.

“Veterinary services are essential public goods, and without adequate staffing, a resilient animal health system is impossible,” he said.

CS Kagwe acknowledged the challenge, saying the success of the digital overhaul depends heavily on addressing human resource gaps.

He called for urgent policy action, improved recruitment and better incentives to attract and retain veterinary officers.

KVA also highlighted progress in its engagement with the government on the national vaccination programme, which now allows private veterinarians to administer vaccines. Officials say this could significantly improve disease control and boost Kenya’s livestock export prospects.

The association has also confirmed bidding to host the 2028 World Veterinary Congress in Nairobi, with government backing already secured.

It is further pushing for passage of key laws, including the Animal Health Bill and the Animal Welfare and Protection Bill, to modernise outdated legislation.

If fully implemented, the digital reforms could mark one of the most significant shifts in livestock management in decades, offering new hope to farmers facing an increasingly unpredictable climate.