Government defends livestock vaccination amid opposition

The initiative targets vaccinating 50 million sheep and goats and 22 million cattle to address critical disease control challenges and boost livestock productivity.

Speaking during the global animal health conference organized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in Nairobi, Dr Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy Research and Regulations at the State Department for Livestock, emphasized vaccination’s scientific basis as the primary tool to control viral diseases like foot and mouth.

“Vaccination is not a matter of debate; it’s science. Viral diseases like foot and mouth disease can only be controlled through vaccination,” he said. 

He urged political leaders and the public to support the program, warning that disease outbreaks would harm local and international market access for livestock products.

“We cannot afford to joke with science. Just as we embraced vaccination during COVID-19, the same principle applies to protecting our livestock.”

Dr Wanga outlined the government’s ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda goals, including doubling milk production, growing leather industry revenues from Ksh.17 billion to Ksh.100 billion, and improving meat export standards. He noted that the livestock master plan prioritizes constructing 450 feedlots in arid areas and strengthening veterinary services across counties.

Grace Wasike, Director of Gender at the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, highlighted women’s critical role in livestock farming. She called for gender inclusivity in veterinary services and training programs to empower women farmers, who dominate small-scale livestock farming.

“Training women in animal health is vital for enhancing food security and economic growth,” she said.

Dr. Francois Caya, Deputy Director General of WOAH, underscored the need for a resilient veterinary workforce, noting that well-trained veterinarians and community animal health workers are essential for effective service delivery.

“The future of Africa’s livestock sector depends on a strong workforce,” he said, citing ongoing efforts to improve workforce distribution and service delivery across the continent.

Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, praised Kenya’s leadership in vaccine production through the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute. She urged more innovation to support efforts to eradicate diseases like peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and rabies.

The government has also called on counties, NGOs, and private stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing the livestock sector’s importance to Kenya’s agricultural GDP.

The conference brought together policymakers, scientists, and livestock experts from across Africa and beyond.