MERU, Kenya — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched a regional veterinary laboratory at Lewa Conservancy, a move expected to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostics, research, and emergency response across Northern Kenya’s wildlife and livestock ecosystems.
The Northern Kenya Veterinary Laboratory was officially unveiled by Erastus Kanga and is the result of a partnership between Kenya Wildlife Service, Lewa Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
The facility is designed as a regional One Health platform that integrates wildlife conservation, livestock health, and community wellbeing. It will serve as a strategic hub supporting disease surveillance and rapid response efforts across Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, and neighbouring ecosystems.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Kanga said the laboratory would play a crucial role in strengthening preparedness against emerging and transboundary animal diseases in a region where pastoralist communities coexist with globally important wildlife populations.
He noted that Northern Kenya hosts endangered and iconic species such as the Black Rhinoceros, Grevy’s Zebra, and Mountain Bongo, making disease monitoring essential for both conservation and economic sustainability.
The laboratory is expected to improve the detection, diagnosis, and management of disease outbreaks affecting wildlife and livestock, reducing risks to communities that depend heavily on pastoralism.
According to Stephen Chege, the facility will also support scientific research, biobanking, and data collection to inform conservation strategies and livestock health interventions.
Dr. Chege said collaboration between researchers and conservation partners would generate critical scientific knowledge while strengthening early warning systems and emergency response capabilities across the region.
“The laboratory reflects the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of wildlife health, livestock productivity, human wellbeing and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Beyond disease surveillance, the facility is expected to create opportunities for veterinary training, research, and professional development for young animal health specialists in Kenya.
Lewa Conservancy’s Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer, John Kinoti, described the project as a demonstration of how collaborative conservation can safeguard ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods.
Officials said the laboratory will become a key resource in promoting ecosystem resilience, supporting conservation goals, and enhancing food security through healthier livestock production systems in Northern Kenya.
