The Kiambu County Government has launched a countywide subsidized vaccination and livestock registration exercise aimed at combating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and improving livestock management across all its 60 wards.
The program, rolled out on October 6, 2025, is being implemented under the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with 15 dairy cooperative societies.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the initiative is designed to enhance animal health, strengthen the dairy value chain, and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
“This drive will ensure that our animals are protected, our farmers are supported, and our dairy industry remains competitive,” said Governor Wamatangi during the launch.
Under the subsidized program, each animal will be vaccinated at a cost of Sh50, down from the usual Sh160. Veterinary officers will carry out door-to-door visits to vaccinate livestock and register them for traceability.
Farmers are required to pay through M-Pesa and collect vaccination vouchers from their cooperative societies before the veterinary teams visit their farms. The exercise will run for three months, from October to December 2025.
According to the County Department of Agriculture, the FMD vaccination will prevent severe illness, weight loss, and reduced milk yields in cattle. It will also safeguard young calves, lower treatment costs, and reduce the risk of movement restrictions during outbreaks.
The County further noted that widespread vaccination enhances herd immunity and supports sustainable livestock production.
County Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, John Ngigi Kuria, described the initiative as a milestone in livestock health and data management.
“Through this program, we are not only preventing FMD outbreaks but also creating a reliable livestock database that will help us make informed policy decisions, respond swiftly to disease threats, and support farmers with accurate information,” said Mr Kuria.
The livestock registration component, he added, will allow the county to track animals from birth to market, improve disease control, and ensure fair compensation in the event of outbreaks or government interventions.
“This initiative supports effective planning and policymaking in the livestock sector, protects farmers from theft by providing verifiable proof of ownership, and encourages responsible farming practices that improve overall herd management,” he added.
Governor Wamatangi urged farmers to cooperate with veterinary officers and fully participate in the ongoing exercise.
“We encourage all farmers to welcome and support our vets as they visit our farms. Together, let us keep our animals healthy, safeguard our livelihoods, and grow a stronger dairy sector,” said the Governor.
According to the Kenya Dairy Board, the country’s dairy industry contributes about 4% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports more than 1.8 million smallholder farmers. Improved livestock health and management practices such as vaccination and registration are seen as crucial in boosting productivity and maintaining Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s top milk producers.
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