The County Government of Kiambu, through the Githunguri Sub-County Veterinary Office, has conducted a free rabies vaccination exercise targeting dogs as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of rabies and strengthen public health safety.
The exercise, which took place within Githunguri Municipality, attracted a steady turnout of residents who brought their pets for vaccination, reflecting growing awareness on the importance of responsible pet ownership and disease prevention within the community.
Veterinary officers overseeing the exercise administered the vaccines while also engaging pet owners on best practices in animal care, emphasizing the need for regular vaccination to protect both animals and humans from preventable diseases such as rabies.
Rabies remains a serious public health concern, particularly in areas where stray and unvaccinated dogs are common. Health experts note that the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it can be effectively prevented through timely vaccination of domestic animals.
During the exercise, officials from the Sub-County Veterinary Office reiterated the county government’s commitment to strengthening animal health services as part of a broader public health strategy aimed at safeguarding residents across Kiambu County.
They further encouraged residents to continue cooperating with veterinary teams during such outreach programmes, noting that community participation plays a critical role in ensuring the success of disease prevention initiatives.
Residents who participated in the exercise expressed appreciation for the free service, noting that it not only reduces the cost burden of pet care but also enhances safety within households and neighbourhoods.
Many also acknowledged the importance of vaccination in preventing potential outbreaks, especially in densely populated areas where human-animal interaction is frequent.
The county government has in recent years stepped up similar outreach programmes, focusing on both urban and rural areas, as part of its preventive healthcare approach in managing zoonotic diseases.
Officials indicated that such vaccination drives will continue to be rolled out in other sub-counties, with the aim of achieving wider coverage and ensuring that more pets are protected against rabies.
The initiative also aligns with national and global health targets aimed at eliminating rabies-related deaths through mass vaccination and increased public awareness.
As the exercise concluded in Githunguri, veterinary officers urged residents to remain vigilant and ensure that all domestic animals are vaccinated regularly, reinforcing the message that public health begins with responsible animal care at the community level.
The County Government of Kiambu reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining such programmes to build healthier, safer, and more informed communities across the region.
