Nairobi: Narok County has launched a major livestock vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of deadly animal diseases, as part of a countywide exercise set to begin next month. Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech flagged off the distribution of a consignment of livestock vaccines and vector control agents worth KES 30 million to all sub-counties, setting the stage for one of the largest mass animal vaccination drives in recent county history.
According to Kenya News Agency, the vaccines include doses for Goat Pneumonia, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Anthrax, Black Quarter, Lumpy Skin Disease, Blue Tongue, and Rabies, along with vector control agents such as Amitraz. The initiative is expected to bolster animal health, improve productivity, and protect pastoral livelihoods.
"This initiative underscores our commitment to the livestock sector, which remains a critical pillar of our economy," said Deputy Governor Koech. "With this robust support, we aim to safeguard our herders' investments and ensure healthier herds across the county."
Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, in a statement read by the Deputy Governor, lauded the impact of previous vaccination campaigns, noting that they had played a pivotal role in minimizing disease outbreaks and improving livestock resilience. "Our vaccination campaigns have been effective in reducing disease outbreaks across the country," said Governor Ntutu.
"This success is the result of strong collaboration between the County Government, the State Department of Livestock, and private sector partners. Together, we have made significant strides in cold chain management, community engagement, innovation, and environmental safeguards."
The governor urged the Department of Livestock to adopt a more strategic and inclusive approach to future vaccination programmes, emphasizing the need for sustainability and broader community involvement. With livestock farming being a lifeline for thousands in Narok, the mass vaccination programme is expected to not only reduce mortality but also improve market access for livestock products, ultimately contributing to food security and economic growth in the region.