NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has reaffirmed his commitment to a mass livestock vaccination campaign despite objections from some herders and farmers. The campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to prevent the spread of diseases and improve the quality of Kenyan livestock for international markets.
President Ruto strongly criticized those who are opposing the vaccination program, stating that it is crucial for the country’s economy and the livelihoods of farmers. He addressed these concerns while speaking at a goat auction in Baringo County, where he emphasized the importance of disease control in the livestock industry.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has set a target of vaccinating 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats. However, there have been doubts raised about the effectiveness of the vaccines, and some farmers have expressed unfounded fears that the program may harm their animals.
One such farmer, Patrick Torome from the Rift Valley region, stated that he will not allow his animals to be vaccinated as he believes it may compromise their quality. He also raised concerns about the possibility of someone intentionally introducing a virus to the animals, which could lead to poverty for the poor who may not be able to afford the cure.
President Ruto dismissed these claims, stating that the vaccines are safe and produced locally. He also highlighted the economic benefits of the vaccination program, stating that it will help farmers increase their earnings and access international markets for their products.
The Ministry of Agriculture has assured animal owners that the vaccines are necessary for disease control and are crucial for the country’s livestock industry. They have also emphasized that the vaccines are safe and have been produced following international standards.
According to the World Health Organization, animal vaccination is an essential tool in preventing and controlling the spread of diseases. In Kenya, diseases such as anthrax, foot and mouth disease, rift valley fever, African swine fever, and rinderpest have been a major concern for livestock farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that only 10% of animals have been vaccinated so far, and the vaccination rate needs to reach 85% to make livestock products eligible for export. This low uptake has been attributed to the government’s failure to provide a clear message about the importance of vaccination and allowing politicians to spread false information about the program.
Experts and farmers have also criticized the government for not involving them in the planning and implementation of the vaccination campaign. They believe that this has allowed politicians to take on the roles of experts and veterinarians, leading to the spread of misinformation about the vaccines.
President Ruto urged leaders to refrain from spreading false information and to support the vaccination program for the benefit of the country’s economy and its people. He also emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and urged farmers to trust in the process.
In conclusion, the mass livestock vaccination campaign in Kenya is a crucial step towards disease control and improving the quality of livestock for international markets. The government has assured farmers that the vaccines are safe and necessary for the country’s economic growth. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this program and support the country’s livestock industry. Let us all join hands and support the vaccination campaign for a healthier and more prosperous Kenya.
