Livestock vaccination campaign offers much-needed relief to Lamu farmers
The timing is crucial, as livestock vessels have already docked at the Lamu Port, preparing to export disease-free animals to Oman.
Livestock farmers in Lamu County are already seeing the impact of a mass vaccination campaign aimed at protecting their animals from deadly diseases, ensuring better market access and economic stability.
The ongoing exercise, which targets 200,000 sheep and goats and 100,000 cows, is shielding animals from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), both of which have historically devastated local herds.
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The timing is crucial, as livestock vessels have already docked at the Lamu Port, preparing to export disease-free animals to Oman.
For local farmers, the campaign offers much-needed relief.
Mohamed Salim, a livestock trader in Mokowe, said the initiative is long overdue.
“We have lost many animals to disease, and sometimes buyers refuse to take our livestock because they are not vaccinated. Now, we have a chance to sell at better prices,” he said.
Hawa Athman, a pastoralist in Kiunga, noted that access to veterinary services has been a challenge.
“Most of us can’t afford regular vaccines, so this free government programme is a blessing. Our animals are our wealth, and their health means everything to us,” she said.
In Pandanguo, Abdallah Kombo, a small-scale herder, expressed optimism that the vaccination drive would reduce the financial burden on livestock owners.
“Whenever disease strikes, we lose not just our animals but our livelihoods. This campaign means we won’t have to keep spending money on expensive treatments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aisha Mohammed, a livestock keeper, said the vaccination would help restore confidence among buyers.
“Traders prefer buying vaccinated animals because they don’t want risks. Now we can negotiate better prices without fear of losing customers,” she said.
The county-wide vaccination drive is being spearheaded by the Lamu County Department of Veterinary Services, in collaboration with the State Department of Livestock Development and the Directorate of Veterinary Services, under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) funded by the World Bank.
Speaking at a sensitisation meeting, County Agriculture Executive James Gichu emphasised the importance of the campaign.
“This is a game-changer for livestock farmers in Lamu. We are working closely with local communities to ensure maximum participation,” he said.
Acting CECM for Blue Economy, Fisheries and Livestock Mohamed Mbwana added that the government is committed to strengthening the veterinary sector.
“We are not just vaccinating animals; we are safeguarding livelihoods and opening up international markets for our farmers,” he said.
County Director of Veterinary Services Felix Rachuonyo urged farmers to take full advantage of the initiative.
“We encourage all livestock keepers to present their animals for vaccination. This will help curb the spread of these diseases and improve livestock productivity,” he said.
The sensitisation forum also brought together representatives from the FSRP National Project Coordination Unit, local chiefs and national administration officers, all of whom pledged their support for the initiative.
With the vaccination drive already underway, farmers are hopeful that healthier livestock will translate into better economic opportunities for Lamu’s pastoral communities.
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