Gov’t Responds To Kalonzo’s Claims On Cows Vaccination
The government has informed Kenyans that there are no hidden intentions behind the impending animal vaccines, which will immunize 22 million cows and 50 million goats nationally.
This follows criticism of President William Ruto’s announcement that the government planned to vaccinate 72 million animals across the country beginning in January 2025.
Kenyans, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, read peril into the drive, alleging a strategy to serve foreign interests by allowing international research institutions to test vaccines on Kenyan livestock.
“Ruto is advancing a sinister foreign agenda. This plan is reckless and must be stopped,” Kalonzo said, urging Kenyans to resist the initiative.
Responding to the concerns, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Andrew Karanja, has guaranteed that the vaccinations are safe and manufactured in Kenya and not any foreign country.
PRESS RELEASE: Addressing Misconceptions on Livestock Vaccination.
— State Department for Livestock Development. (@Livestock_Dev) November 15, 2024
Recent claims regarding vaccination efforts for livestock are misleading. Here's the truth about our commitment to safeguarding Kenya's livestock and livelihoods.
Read the full statement: pic.twitter.com/8vNbcNqUr8
“The vaccination program will rely on locally manufactured vaccines from the Veterinary Board of Kenya and Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), a state corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development,” the CS said.
He went on to say that there is no hidden intention behind the vaccination campaign and that the government’s primary goal is to combat transboundary illnesses and defend the dairy sector, assuring its long-term viability.
“There is no hidden agenda for the vaccinations. They are just to ensure that our dairy sector is safe and that our animals are not affected by foot and mouth and other diseases,” the CS assured.
KENYA TO VACCINATE 22 MILLION ANIMALS IN NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
— Dr Andrew Karanja (@DrAndrewkaranja) November 21, 2024
Starting January 2025, Kenya will launch a nationwide Animal Vaccination Campaign targeting 22 million livestock to COMBAT TRANSBOUNDARY DISEASES, aims to protect the dairy sector and ensure its sustainability.
The… pic.twitter.com/jh5zxDcyCW
“This campaign is a milestone in our efforts to protect livestock and enhance food security.”
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According to the CS, it is vital to vaccinate all animals throughout the country since vaccinating one region and leaving another unprotected would be a waste of money because they spread throughout other regions.
The CS highlighted that the program is consistent with the government’s overall goal to address livestock health issues that have a substantial impact on production and the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans who rely on agriculture.
President Ruto announced the immunization’s implementation while in Narok on November 8, 2024, claiming that it will assist protect the worldwide market for cattle products.
Foot-and-mouth disease, among other transboundary illnesses, has been a persistent concern to Kenya’s cattle economy, frequently resulting in significant economic losses.
Gov’t Responds To Kalonzo’s Claims On Cows Vaccination
