Nairobi County Government has rolled out its biggest rabies sensitisation and mass vaccination campaign in history, targeting more than 10,000 dogs and cats in a major push to eliminate the deadly disease and protect public health.
The countywide exercise, being conducted in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), will run from January 31 to February 15, 2026, starting in Kasarani Sub-County before expanding to other parts of the capital. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says vaccination will be offered free of charge across designated centres.
Green Nairobi CECM Maureen Njeri says the initiative underscores the county’s commitment to preventive healthcare and responsible pet ownership.
“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 noted that the programme is the most comprehensive rabies intervention ever undertaken in the city, 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 County Vertinary Department in the Food and Agriculture subsector has reminded dog owners that annual vaccination is a legal requirement and urged residents to comply for the safety of their families and the wider community.
“Responsible pet ownership is not optional. Vaccinating your dog or cat is a legal duty and a civic responsibility that protects everyone,” Njeri 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.
The exercise will be carried out across Kasarani, Embakasi, Dagoretti, Makadara and Kamukunji, with specific vaccination points set up in markets, schools, grounds and chief’s camps to ensure maximum reach.
“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 added.
Early intervention, prevention, and control supported by strong community engagement are key to effectively controlling rabies.
