Government to pilot e-voucher system for livestock vaccination in high-risk counties

The Ministry of Agriculture is set to introduce an electronic voucher system to boost livestock vaccination and strengthen disease monitoring across the country.

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the program will first be piloted in regions with large livestock populations and frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), anthrax, and other transboundary diseases.

“The system, which will be piloted in regions with high livestock populations and those prone to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, and other transboundary animal diseases, will enhance data-driven decision-making in the livestock sector,” Mueke stated during a tour of Maralal, Samburu County.

The e-voucher program is modelled on the government’s fertilizer distribution system, where farmers register through the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management System (KIAMS) and receive digital vouchers via SMS or other platforms. These vouchers are redeemed at designated Agro-vet shops or depots. Officials hope to replicate this success in livestock vaccination, ensuring vaccines are distributed efficiently while centralizing data for disease surveillance.

Real-time monitoring and improved traceability

Authorities say the digital platform will allow real-time data collection in pilot counties, mapping vaccination coverage, identifying hotspots, and enabling quicker responses to outbreaks. The system will also create digital health records for livestock, improving herd management and traceability.

Mueke revealed that the government has already tested the platform in state-owned farms and is in discussions with county governments to facilitate immediate rollout.

“We are in talks with all county governments through respective livestock and veterinary departments to roll out the program immediately,” he said, stressing that piloting would refine the system before a national rollout.

Security and economic benefits

The platform will also support security agencies in tackling cattle rustling and reducing illicit livestock trade, which remain major challenges in pastoralist areas.

The government aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep under the program. President William Ruto has backed the initiative, saying it is vital in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

Stakeholder pushback

Despite government assurances, the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has opposed the mass vaccination plan, citing four major risks they believe warrant postponement.

Even so, officials maintain that the e-voucher system will improve efficiency, reduce wastage, and strengthen disease surveillance, while farmers will benefit from easier access to vaccines.