The Meru County government has officially kicked off a major Mass Cattle Vaccination Campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), in a bold initiative aimed at protecting over 450,000 head of cattle.
The event, held at Maganjo Coffee Factory in Kariene market, Imenti Central Sub-county, marks the beginning of a countywide and soon nationwide drive to eradicate the highly contagious livestock disease.
The launch was led by Meru County Governor, Isaac Mutuma, who underscored the importance of livestock to the region’s economy and food security.
He termed the campaign as a “decisive response” to the challenges facing farmers, including shrinking land sizes, climate change, and recurring outbreaks of FMD.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and livestock farming plays a central role in uplifting the lives of our people. By working together, we can eradicate this disease and ensure healthier, more productive livestock for all,” the County boss said.
The campaign features a new Digital Registration and E-Voucher Vaccination system, which leverages cutting-edge cow muzzle recognition technology, a first in Kenya.
This tamper-proof biometric system will enhance the accuracy of livestock records, improve disease traceability, and support better animal management.
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Speaking during the event, Meru Dairy Cooperative Union CEO Kenneth Gitonga emphasized the innovation behind the system and the critical role of partnerships in making the campaign possible.
“This is not just a vaccination drive, it’s a transformation of how we manage and protect our livestock. The digital platform ensures traceability, accountability, and better service delivery for our farmers,” Gitonga said.
The program is being implemented through a subsidized partnership between the national and county governments, making vaccination and digital registration more affordable and accessible to all livestock farmers in Meru.
In addition to the vaccination program, Governor Mutuma reiterated his administration’s broader commitment to supporting farmers.
Initiatives include equipping cooperatives with milk coolers to reduce post-harvest losses and improve milk hygiene standards.
“Through such targeted efforts, we aim to make Meru County a shining example of agricultural excellence and prosperity. Together, let us build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient farming community,” Governor Mutuma said.
The campaign is expected to serve as a model for other counties as the national government prepares to roll it out countrywide.
By John Majau.
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