The Government of Kenya, in partnership with the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) and the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), on Thursday convened a high-level multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at enhancing the country’s ruminant vaccination systems and boosting livestock health.
The meeting brought together national and county officials, vaccine manufacturers, private sector actors, research institutions, farmer organizations, and development partners to review progress and chart coordinated strategies for improving access to livestock vaccines.
Kenya’s livestock industry contributes 12% to the national GDP and supports more than 10 million Kenyans.
However, low vaccine coverage, recurrent disease outbreaks, and limited last-mile delivery continue to undermine productivity.
GALVmed CEO Dr. Lois Muraguri noted that the organization’s VITAL 2 programme seeks to address systemic gaps in vaccine production and distribution.
She said the initiative is anchored on sustainability and innovation, including digital platforms and strengthened extension services to reach smallholder farmers.
Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. David Kihuyu emphasized the need for a unified national framework to tackle diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
He stated that although progress has been made, vaccine coverage remains between 12–18%, far below the levels required to control endemic diseases.
Participants highlighted key challenges including high vaccine costs, weak surveillance, limited cold-chain infrastructure, and low farmer awareness.
The Ministry of Agriculture outlined ongoing efforts to automate disease reporting and expand vaccine subsidy programmes.
KVA Chair Dr. Nicholas Muyale called for a permanent coordination platform to streamline decision-making and strengthen accountability across the sector.
The workshop concluded with a resolution to establish a National Ruminant Vaccination Steering Committee to lead joint action, monitor implementation, and support Kenya’s livestock transformation agenda under BETA.
