NAIROBI, Kenya – Many Kenyans have expressed opposition to planned animal vaccination due to fears that the vaccines might alter livestock’s genetic structure and makeup, leading to potential health issues or defective animals.
There is also widespread skepticism regarding the intention behind the vaccine rollout, with some believing it could be a trial for foreign vaccines.
This was after President William Ruto recently stated that the government would start a nationwide cattle immunisation program against illnesses in January of next year.
The president said that 50 million goats and sheep and 22 million cattle would receive vaccinations.
Why the Kenyan government plans to conduct animal vaccination
He clarified that the program will protect the global cattle product market by preventing animal illnesses.
“This will guarantee that we have access to domestic and foreign markets for our livestock products,” stated the head of state during the Maa Cultural Festival held near the Samburu National Reserve in Samburu County.
Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke echoed the president, claiming that many of Kenya’s international customers are saying they can’t get enough of the country’s livestock products.
“So, we have an agribusiness team working with our farmers to ensure that we can produce meat and milk consistently in the quantities required by the market,” PS Mueke explained.
PS Mueke further stated that the government, through the Department of Livestock, is signing off-take agreements with farmers.
“We are telling them (farmers) about the kind of livestock they need to produce, and we buy them after a given period when it has reached slaughter age,” explained the PS.
How Kenya can double its livestock production
This way, PS Mueke reiterated that the government would give livestock farmers high value for their products.
“Again, to be able to meet that international market, we just need to do three things: we need to vaccinate animal health, we need to get the right breeds that can give us as high productivity as possible, and we need to ensure proper nutrition for the animals,” the PS said further.
Once all the livestock value chain stakeholders get these three things right, PS Mueke indicated that Kenya will be able to double its production and export.
“Which, of course, is through foreign exchange, create jobs, and deliver what we promised people: more money,” said PS Mueke.
The president mentioned that the government had set aside Sh 1 billion to replenish cattle lost during the country’s northern drought.
He added that the government will purchase 55,000 goats and sheep to give to farmers to support every household.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the government program helps families who lost their livestock during the drought,” he stated.
