Kajiado: Kajiado County Assembly Speaker Justus Ngussur has urged Kajiado pastoralists to allow their livestock to be vaccinated by the government in the planned mass vaccination exercise. The speaker emphasized the importance of the initiative, asserting that the mass livestock vaccination is a genuine effort aimed at benefiting the farmers.

According to Kenya News Agency, Ngussur encouraged residents to ignore misleading information from detractors, assuring them of the vaccines’ safety. He clarified that participation in the vaccination is voluntary and highlighted that the vaccines are locally produced by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), countering claims that they are imported.

Ngussur reminded pastoralists of their longstanding practice of vaccinating livestock against diseases and noted that the county government offered free vaccinations last year with no adverse effects. He described the free mass vaccination as a government bonus to pastoralists, akin to incentives provided to coffee and tea farmers.

Meanwhile, some Kajiado farmers are seeking more information about the vaccines. They are calling for the government to conduct civic education before initiating the mass vaccination. Daniel Kanchori, a livestock farmer in Kitengela, expressed concerns over the lack of information provided to farmers, stressing the importance of their livestock for livelihood.

Peninah Nasieku, another pastoralist, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the government typically conducts civic education before such initiatives, which has not occurred this time. She highlighted the need for detailed information regarding the vaccination, especially given concerns about rising cancer cases and the implications for milk and beef consumption post-vaccination.

The government’s plan involves vaccinating 22 million cattle against foot and mouth disease and 50 million goats and sheep against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The initiative, aimed at reducing disease-related animal losses, will be led by KEVEVAPI in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Production, with an initial cost of Sh193 million.