The County Government, in collaboration with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC), launched a two-week initiative to eradicate the tsetse fly invasion along the Kenyan-Ugandan border.
Led by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, the intervention responds to complaints from residents of Turkana West and Loima Sub-Counties who have been adversely affected by the pest.
The team is concurrently conducting screening and treatment of livestock in Lokiriama, Urum, Oropoi, and Natiira, in line with the Directorate’s mandate to control livestock diseases.
Livestock Development Chief Officer, Dr Ezekiel Ekuwam, emphasized the strategic partnership with KENTTEC, Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization, and the USAID NAWIRI organization in tsetse fly control.
He expressed gratitude for their support and affirmed the government’s commitment to involve more animal stakeholders in disease surveillance and control.
County Director for Veterinary Services, Dr Benson Longor, highlighted that the current intervention focuses on Trypanosomosis control in Turkana, specifically targeting Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana West, and Lokichoggio Sub-Counties.
Dr Longor said the Sub-Counties were selected due to their proximity to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley; a known breeding ground for the tsetse fly.
The Veterinary Services Director emphasized that pooling resources for this initiative would enhance One Health initiatives, foster community-based reporting, and control zoonotic diseases along international borders.
By Peter Gitonga
