Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, has launched a nationwide livestock vaccination drive aimed at protecting millions of animals from deadly diseases.
The three-year voluntary initiative, officially flagged off in Laikipia County on Thursday, is, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock health, securing markets, and boosting the country’s agricultural economy.
Speaking at the launch, CS Kagwe emphasized the importance of disease control in improving livestock productivity and securing the livelihoods of farmers.
“This vaccination campaign is a major step in ensuring our livestock are protected from devastating diseases. A healthy livestock sector means improved food security, economic growth, and better income for our farmers,” CS Mutahi Kagwe stated.
The CS further emphasized that the nationwide vaccination drive is voluntary but urged farmers to vaccinate their livestock, stating that no leader can mislead the people on a matter of such magnitude.
On November 8, 2024, President William Ruto announced that the government would embark on a nationwide vaccination drive targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.

The drive will focus on vaccinating cattle, sheep, and goats against some of the most prevalent and economically damaging diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague.
Key Diseases Targeted:
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
- Rift Valley Fever (RVF): A zoonotic disease that threatens both livestock and human populations.
- Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR): A viral disease that severely affects sheep and goats, leading to significant economic losses.
Although the program faced initial backlash from Kenyans, the new CS for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, is adamant that stakeholder engagement and expert opinion will drive the process, and that effective communication will ensure its success.
Kenya’s livestock sector contributes approximately 12% to the national GDP, with millions of households relying on it for their livelihood. By reducing disease-related losses, the vaccination drive is expected to increase meat and milk production, improve market access for livestock products, and enhance economic stability for farmers.