Julius Kiprop
- President William Ruto promises to continue the livestock vaccination drive.
- Critics claim the program might harm animals, though no evidence supports these fears.
- The campaign aims to vaccinate millions of livestock to improve disease control and meet international standards.
President William Ruto on Tuesday, December 17, defended the government’s mass livestock vaccination campaign, dismissing fears from some herders and farmers.
Speaking at a goat auction in Baringo County, Ruto emphasized that the vaccinations would protect animals from diseases and help farmers access international markets. He criticized those spreading false information, saying, “I want to ask leaders who have no knowledge to spare us their ignorance.”
The Ministry of Agriculture aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats to curb diseases such as anthrax, foot and mouth, and rift valley fever.
However, some farmers, like Patrick Torome from Rift Valley, have raised doubts about the vaccines. Torome said, “I will not vaccinate my animals because I don’t know if someone is introducing a virus.”
The ministry has assured farmers that the vaccines are safe and locally produced. It also highlighted that only 10% of animals have been vaccinated so far, far below the 85% target needed to qualify for export markets.
Experts have urged the government to provide clearer information to counter misinformation and ensure the success of the program.
