Ensure Your Livestock Are Vaccinated: CS Karanja Addresses Concerns and Outlines National Drive

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja has urged Kenyans to participate in the upcoming livestock vaccination campaign, set to begin in January. This initiative aims to protect over 22 million animals from diseases like foot and mouth, which have repeatedly affected livestock across the country.

Karanja emphasized the importance of a nationwide vaccination effort, noting that individual county-based campaigns have proven ineffective due to inconsistencies. “This is for the benefit of the country, and it will protect livestock from diseases that have been a challenge in the past,” he stated.

The vaccination program will be conducted using locally produced vaccines from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (Kevevipa), and Karanja reassured the public that they are safe and of high quality. He also addressed claims by political leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who suggested that the drive could have ulterior motives, such as altering local livestock breeds. Karanja dismissed these accusations, stating that the vaccines would not be imported but made within the country.

Karanja called on all farmers, particularly those in the livestock sector, to participate in the vaccination exercise, which he believes will significantly improve livestock health and production. 

This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to support the agricultural sector and enhance food security. President William Ruto also weighed in, criticizing those who oppose such efforts for the sake of political gain and urging pastoralist communities to back the campaign.

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