Kiambu: The Kiambu County Government has initiated a countywide subsidized vaccination and animal registration program. This effort aims to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and enhance livestock management across its 60 wards.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program, launched on October 6th, is a collaboration between the county and 15 dairy cooperative societies, facilitated by the Department of Agriculture. Governor Kimani Wamatangi emphasized the initiative's goal to improve animal health, boost the dairy value chain, and safeguard farmers' livelihoods.
The vaccination process will be conducted door-to-door by veterinary officers, who will also oversee livestock registration for traceability. Governor Wamatangi highlighted the drive's importance, stating that it will protect animals, support farmers, and maintain the competitiveness of the dairy industry.
Under the subsidized scheme, each vaccination is priced at Sh50 per animal, down from the regular Sh160. Farmers are required to pay through M-Pesa and obtain vouchers from their cooperative societies before veterinary teams visit their farms. The campaign is set to extend from October to December 2025.
According to the County's Department of Agriculture, the FMD vaccination will prevent severe illness, weight loss, and reduced milk yields in cattle. It will also protect young calves, reduce the need for costly treatments, and prevent movement restrictions during outbreaks. Widespread vaccination is expected to strengthen herd immunity and promote sustainable livestock production.
The County Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, John Ngigi Kuria, stated that the initiative marks a pivotal moment in disease control and livestock data management. He noted that the program will prevent FMD outbreaks and create a reliable livestock database to inform policy decisions and support farmers with accurate information.
In addition to vaccination, animal registration will enable the government to track livestock from birth to market, control disease spread, and ensure fair compensation during outbreaks. Registration records will also bolster trust with buyers and cooperatives through transparent data management.
Mr. Kuria further emphasized the program's benefits, including effective planning and policymaking in the livestock sector, theft prevention through verifiable proof of ownership, and the promotion of responsible farming practices that improve overall herd management.
Governor Wamatangi called on farmers to cooperate with veterinary officers and actively participate in the exercise, urging them to support visiting vets to maintain animal health, safeguard livelihoods, and strengthen the dairy sector.
According to data from the Kenya Dairy Board, the dairy industry contributes about four percent to the national GDP and supports over 1.8 million smallholder farmers. Improved livestock health and management practices, such as vaccination and registration programs, are crucial for boosting productivity and maintaining Kenya's status as a leading milk producer in Africa.