The livestock department in Narok County in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) has launched a mega campaign to vaccinate over 200, 000 livestock within the Mara ecosystem to curb disease prevalence and improve livelihoods.
Speaking to KNA during the start of the activity at Mara Ward, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development Ms Joyce Keshe said the diseases targeted are Anthrax, East Coast Fever (ECF) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) for cattle.
Sheep and goats will also be vaccinated against Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and Blue Tongue diseases.
“I would like to appreciate the efforts of the county government leadership in fostering this exercise of livestock vaccination. The locals here who are majorly pastoralists, will be benefiting as they are set to see their livestock improve both in health and eventually production,” she said.
Though KWT is mostly involved in wildlife activities, it has come out to help the Maasai people in this area, who depend on pastoralism for a livelihood, she said.
KWT manager Michael Kaelo said their overarching goal is to raise awareness about the vital importance of livestock vaccination.
“The collaborative effort between the county government and conservation organizations underscores a unified strategy to safeguard livestock health and ensure sustainable livelihoods within the Mara ecosystem,” said Kaelo.
Julius Ole Kisemei, a pastoralist who benefited from the programme, lauded the Livestock department, asking the county government to continue partnering with the pastoralists so that they can eradicate as many livestock diseases as possible.
Another beneficiary, Nailepu Enolekoonyi expressed her gratitude for the vaccination program, saying that the Maasai people, especially those in the Mara ward, depend on cattle rearing for their livelihood.
“I would like to encourage the conveners of this initiative to continue supporting us. The Maasai people here are fully pastoralists and they can do nothing without keeping their livestock. Livestock is our main source of living,” she said.
The Mass Livestock Vaccination Campaign that commenced on Monday 18, 2024 will run up to April 8, 2024 with priority areas being Siana, Mara and Naikarra wards.
In attendance was County Chief Officer for Livestock Ms Queen Kimorgo and Director Veterinary Services Gideon Ngeasha.
By Ann Salaton and Timothy Tobiko
