The Kenya Veterinary Paraprofessional Association (KVPA) is backing the nationwide livestock vaccination campaign set to commence in January 2025, even as it reassured farmers about the vaccine’s safety.
John Ngigi, the national chairman of KVPA, emphasized that vaccination is among the safest methods for preventing and controlling diseases in both livestock and humans.
Ngigi noted that Kenya has lost several international markets due to outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), among other diseases. He stated that the upcoming vaccination initiative will help the country establish disease-free zones, thereby facilitating the trade of livestock and livestock products.
“Various transboundary animal diseases are endemic to Kenya, hindering local and international trade in livestock and livestock products. Locally, the frequent imposition of quarantines has deprived livestock keepers of the cash flow emanating from livestock trade,” he explained.
Ngigi disclosured that their registered organization, which comprises 15,000 veterinary paraprofessionals, recently held a consultative meeting with the Directorate of Veterinary Services. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Allan Azegele, the Director of Veterinary Services, provided them with an update on the government’s vaccination plans.
“From this meeting, we were made aware that vaccinations would be free. Veterinary practitioners in public and private areas will be involved in all the targeted areas. For PPR, the targeted areas are Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs), while for FMD, the initial targeted areas are the Dairy Belt,” said Ngigi.
He indicated that its decision was arrivee at after several stakeholder engagements, including with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB), and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). According to Ngigi, these organizations assured the Association that the vaccines used in the national campaigns are safe and derived from methane-reducing technology, and that they will be manufactured locally by KEVEVAPI.
“The KEVEVAPI’s Managing Director Alex Sabuni has equally assured us of the Institute’s capacity to produce sufficient vaccines for both PPR and FMD during the vaccination period. Furthermore, he assured us that there would be no import of foreign vaccines in the country,” said the chairman.
He highlighted that these vaccines have been in use for decades and there is no cause for alarm.
Ngigi said that Foot and Mouth vaccines cost approximately Sh10,000–15,000 per vial of 70 doses and this prohibits most livestock keepers from vaccinating their livestock, thus hindering efforts to establish disease-free zones. Only a few farmers can vaccinate their livestock, and this national drive will cover all farmers, he emphasized.
The chairman said that in January 2025, KVPA will roll out a robust nationwide awareness and sensitization program targeting livestock keepers, National Government administrators, and community leadership. The Association is currently in consultation with partners to support vaccination.
“Furthermore, we are engaging the DVS in the planning and implementation of the vaccination program,” said Ngigi.
He continued: “KVPA wishes to inform the public that veterinary paraprofessionals are ready to undertake this exercise in a professional manner. The Association is keen to ensure that the exercise is successful without endangering the animals and livelihoods of farmers.”
Ngigi called on all livestock farmers to avail their animals for vaccination at designated vaccination sites that will be announced by the DVS.
“These vaccines are free, safe, and of good quality. Further, the public is encouraged to ignore various rumors that have been going around casting aspersions on the vaccine quality,” said Ngigi.
He at the same time called on the political leadership to refrain from misinforming the public and instead contact the DVS and other relevant stakeholders with technical competency to enlighten them on any doubts and speculations on any veterinary matter.
