The national government has kicked off a massive livestock vaccination exercise in regions prone to animal diseases.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Peter Munya said the exercise, which would cover 14 counties, was aimed at boosting livestock market and farmers’ earnings.
The CS was speaking yesterday at Kisargei village in Segera ward, Laikipia north Constituency when he launched the vaccination programme on cattle, goats, sheep, camels, donkeys and dogs.
“After the exercise, the government does not want to hear livestock keepers complain about diseases that affect their animals,’’ CS Munya said.
He said the well-coordinated vaccination exercise would help stop spread of diseases which occurred as farmers moved their animals from one market to another and while looking for pasture.
The CS stated that it would be futile to vaccinate animals in one county and leave the surroundings ones where inter county livestock movement occurs. He singled out Baringo, Samburu and Isiolo as some of the counties where vaccination was ongoing.
The CS said the national government would soon launch countrywide training to educate slaughter men how to do their work without spoiling the livestock skins.
“We need to add value to skins by ensuring that they are not damaged during slaughtering process so that they can sell at good prices,” the CS said.
The CS disclosed that livestock digital tagging pilot project was through and next year, it would be rolled out in the whole country.
“Digital tagging is very essential as it provides an opportunity to better manage the performance of the animal,” he noted.
The CS was accompanied by his Ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Linah Kilimo, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, Laikipia County Commissioner Daniel Nyameti and Director of Livestock Julius Kiptarus.
By Margaret Kirera
