Nairobi County’s free rabies vaccination campaign has entered its third day in Ruai with 2,418 animals vaccinated so far, marking what officials describe as the largest mass sensitisation and vaccination exercise in the city’s history.
The Governor Johnson Sakaja-led campaign, which targets more than 10,000 dogs, cats and donkeys, is part of a major public health push to control and eventually eliminate rabies across the capital.
In addition to vaccinations, county veterinary teams have also treated several severely ill dogs on site, providing urgent medical care to improve animal welfare and reduce disease risk.
According to Green Nairobi CECM Maureen Njeri, the exercise began at Athi Market before moving to Muhuru Muchiri Stadium on the third day, recording steadily rising numbers of vaccinated animals.
Over the first three days of the campaign, the county recorded steadily rising vaccination numbers across different sites. On Day One, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Athi Market, a total of 830 animals were vaccinated, comprising 606 dogs, 197 cats and 27 donkeys. The exercise continued at the same venue on Day Two, Sunday, February 1, 2026, where 552 animals received vaccines, including 378 dogs, 164 cats and 10 donkeys. Momentum peaked on Day Three, Monday, February 2, 2026 at Muhuru Muchiri Stadium, with veterinary teams vaccinating 1,036 animals, made up of 823 dogs, 116 cats and 97 donkeys.
Cumulatively, the three–day drive saw 2,418 animals vaccinated, broken down into 1,807 dogs, 477 cats and 134 donkeys, underscoring strong public turnout and the scale of the county’s rabies prevention efforts.
Njeri said the progress demonstrates strong community response and growing awareness about the dangers of rabies.
“Rabies is 100 per cent preventable, yet it continues to claim lives. This campaign is about protecting our people by stopping the disease at its source,” Njeri said.
She described the programme as the most comprehensive rabies intervention Nairobi has ever undertaken, combining public sensitisation with mass vaccination across multiple sub-counties.
“This is the largest rabies vaccination exercise Nairobi has ever seen. By taking services closer to residents, we are ensuring no pet is left unvaccinated because of cost or distance,” she added.
The countywide initiative is being conducted in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and will run from January 31 to February 15, 2026. Vaccination services are being offered free of charge at designated centres, with the exercise set to continue in Ruai, Kasarani Sub-County on February 6, 7 and 8 before expanding to other parts of the city.
Food and Agriculture Chief Officer Gladwell Cheruiyot reminded pet owners that annual rabies vaccination is a legal requirement and urged residents to comply for the safety of their families and communities.
“Responsible pet ownership is not optional. Vaccinating your dog or cat is a legal duty and a civic responsibility that protects everyone,” She said.
Residents have also been encouraged to promptly report any suspected rabies cases to county veterinary offices, licensed veterinarians, the county customer service hotline or KSPCA to enable swift response.
“Controlling rabies will only be possible if residents fully participate. We are calling on all Nairobians to bring their pets for free vaccination and help us make the city rabies-free,” Njeri said, adding that early intervention, prevention and strong community engagement remain the most effective tools in eliminating rabies and safeguarding both human and animal health.
The exercise will continue in Ruai, Kasarani Sub-County, on Friday 6th, 7th and 8th February 2026.
