Trypanosomiasis Research and Control conference kicks off in Nairobi

The International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) has kicked off in Nairobi and will run from 15th September 2025 to 19th September 2025.

The conference was officially opened by Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe who reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to tackling tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis, diseases that for decades have weakened livestock, reduced farm productivity, and hurt farmers’ incomes.

Kagwe celebrated Kenya’s milestone achievement in June 2025 when World Health Organization (WHO) validated the country’s elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) as a public health problem.

The CS underscored that protecting farmers means investing in innovation, adopting One Health technologies, and strengthening partnerships.

He praised AU-IBAR’s leadership in bringing African countries together to champion animal health, and applauded KeNTECC for driving regional strategies that directly shield farmers’ livestock from the tsetse menace.

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He further commended international partners including FAO Kenya, World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and African Union member states for their support, noting that collaboration is the surest path to safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, boosting productivity, and securing food systems.

The CS called on the global scientific community to continue working hand in hand with farmers, researchers, and governments to deliver lasting solutions to a disease that has burdened Africa’s agriculture for over a century.

Kagwe was joined by PS Jonathan Mueke, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources and Geoffrey Mutai, Chairman of Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council – KENTTEC, alongside other dignitaries and international partners.

By Obegi Malack

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