A Veterinary Investigation Epidemiology Laboratory has been established at Marigat in Baringo County at an estimated cost of Sh 3 million to boost livestock services in the area.
The laboratory funded by World Bank and fully equipped by Reconcile Kenya to the tune of Sh 500,000 was launched at the refurbished Marigat Investigation Laboratory grounds by the County Chief Officer (CO) for Livestock, Dr Winnie Bore.
Speaking after commissioning the laboratory, Dr Bore thanked the World Bank and Reconcile Kenya for making the project a reality, noting the facility is capable of handling 100 livestock samples in a day.
The Chief Officer also launched a Veterinary handbook, said that the lab will also help reduce transportation cost incurred in taking samples to Eldoret and Nakuru for investigations.
She stated that local farmers can now establish the type of diseases attacking their livestock and get an immediate solution through prompt treatment and vaccinations with a view to minimizing outbreaks in the area.
“This facility is of importance because it will greatly support our farmers who are mainly dependent on livestock for economic sustenance and livelihoods,” she said.
Agriculture Chief Officer, Wilfred Kiplagat, who attended the occasion, noted that the epidemiology lab will assist in checking the health of animals and improve their productivity.
He reiterated that the residents will be doing early warning reporting to livestock extension officers within the shortest time and minimize animal infection and subsequent death.
Mr Kiplagat also stated that the launch of 4,000 copies of livestock handbook will go a long way in strengthening coordination in diagnosis of the various livestock diseases
Regional Pastoral Livelihood Resilient Project (RPLRP) Manager-In-Charge of Livestock, Dr Purity Kiunja, said that the facility launched is one of the key projects which her organization is undertaking with the aim of ensuring that residents are stable and dependent.
She called on the County Government to recruit more extension and veterinary officers and deploy to grassroots to help educate farmers on various aspects of modern agricultural and livestock husbandry in the critical sector.
Marigat Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Naftali Ojoo, urged all stakeholders to make good use of the facility for sustainability and value for money.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
