Kindiki’s Message To Kenyans Livestock Vaccinations
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans and leaders to avoid politicizing the livestock immunization campaign.
The DP stated that the government will not compel Kenyans to vaccinate their animals, but that it is voluntary.
He stated that the government had secured a market for livestock meat, which will require vaccination.
“We have found a very big market for our livestock in the Middle East and Europe but these foreign countries have told us that for our livestock and meat to be accepted in their markets they must all be vaccinated,” Kindiki said.
DP Kithure Kindiki: One of the requirements for us to meet our export demand is that your herd must be vaccinated. What we are rolling out a vaccination program that has been in place for 40 years, but there has not been a high-level government campaign to support it. pic.twitter.com/jvkK6vPTUQ
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) December 19, 2024
“We have been vaccinating our livestock but only 10 percent of livestock are vaccinated in Kenya.”
The DP added: “We are urging you not to politicise matters relating to the health of our livestock as a country. This vaccination drive is a voluntary process; no one will be forced to do it.”
He, however, appealed for Kenyans to work together to ensure animals are vaccinated so that the quality and costs of the meat meet international standards.
On November 9, President William Ruto said that the government would vaccinate 72 million animals starting in January.
This huge initiative will include 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and lambs.
The project aims to combat common livestock diseases and strengthen Kenya’s ability to export high-quality livestock products to both domestic and international markets.
“This will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” President Ruto said.
However, news of cattle vaccination was met with varied reactions from Kenyans, with some opposing the plan.
The Kenya Veterinary Association urged the government to postpone the scheduled livestock vaccine to allow for public engagement.
The NATIONAL LIVESTOCK VACCINATION EXERCISE shall definitely require employment of at least 5,000 veterinary personnel to guarantee it's sustainability. @citizentvkenya @ktnhome_ @ntvkenya @COTU_K @NationAfrica @PSCKenya @WilliamsRuto @koske_felix pic.twitter.com/wdlANhwisk
— UNION OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS, KENYA (UVPK®) (@vet_unionKE) December 20, 2024
KVA weighed in on the subject, claiming that they were not consulted during its creation.
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KVA National Chairman Kelvin Osore remarked that the government’s concerns about reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are not a priority.
He said Kenyans should be given enough time to become aware of the situation.
Osore wanted clarity about the diseases being targeted and the rationale behind the immunization and the identity of the programme’s sponsors.
“There was no stakeholders’ engagement. We were not involved after the programme received controversy from the public. We were not involved in the conception,” Osore claimed.
Kindiki’s Message To Kenyans Livestock Vaccinations
