THE VETERINARY ASSOCIATION OF KENYA HAS URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SLOW DOWN ON THE VACCINATION PROGRAM

The first danger cited by KVA is the credibility crisis currently facing the administration.

“This administration’s actions since it came to power have eroded any sense of public trust that Kenyans had in government institutions, making it hard for them to trust such government initiatives. From supplying its own farmers with fake fertilizer to so many lies told as promises, it’s hard to blame Kenyans when they see conspiracies in such programes,” the statement read in part.

KVA also highlighted the lack of public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement by the government. The association contended that the government’s failure to conduct adequate public sensitisation has fueled widespread resistance and misinformation among livestock keepers and the general public.

Challenges stemming from devolution in veterinary services were identified as a key impediment to the mass vaccination of cattle.

“Counties have poorly resourced veterinary departments, leading to inconsistent implementation of national strategies such as the Kenya PPR and FMD control strategies. This fragmentation undermines the effectiveness of disease control efforts, leaving livestock populations vulnerable and threatening national and regional food security,” the veterinary association added.

KVA flagged the politicisation of the exercise as a red flag requiring urgent intervention. “We strongly condemn attempts by some politicians to politicise the vaccination campaign. Such actions distract from the critical goal of controlling diseases and risk alienating livestock keepers, further jeopardising any programme’s success.”

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