The government has launched a nationwide mass vaccination campaign targeting sheep and goats to combat Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease. The launch ceremony took place at Syokithumbi in Kwa Mutonga, Kitui West sub-county, drawing key stakeholders from the livestock sector, including government officials, veterinary professionals, and representatives from international organizations.
Speaking at the event, Livestock Development PS Jonathan Mueke emphasized the critical role of the livestock sector in Kenya’s economy, contributing up to 12 percent of the GDP and employing half of the agricultural labor force. “Livestock, including 22 million cattle, 63 million sheep and goats, 3 million camels, and 1.8 million donkeys, forms the backbone of livelihoods for many rural communities, particularly in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where 10 million Kenyans depend on livestock,” said Mueke.
PS Mueke noted that sheep and goats, often referred to as small stock, are vital for providing livelihoods, income, employment, and export earnings. However, the sector faces significant challenges such as diseases, pests, adverse climatic conditions, and market access issues. Transboundary diseases like foot and mouth disease, Rift Valley fever, anthrax, and PPR cause substantial economic losses due to high mortality rates, treatment costs, and poor animal health.
“PPR, also known locally as ‘sotoka ya mbuzi,’ is particularly devastating. First reported in Kenya in 2006 in Turkana, it has caused severe outbreaks, primarily affecting ASAL regions. PPR threatens the health of small ruminants and poses a risk to some wild animals, further complicating control efforts,” Mueke stated.
To combat the severe impact of PPR on food security, rural livelihoods, and the economy, a global strategy for its eradication has been developed and adopted in Kenya. The strategy aims to control and eradicate PPR by 2027, emphasizing the reduction of other priority small ruminant diseases (SRDs). The economic impact of PPR is significant, with annual losses in the ASAL counties estimated at Sh1.67 billion in 2016.
“The control of disease restricts access to lucrative markets for livestock and livestock products due to trade-sensitive restrictions imposed to prevent its spread. These restrictions hinder the movement of small ruminants and their products, affecting the economic well-being of pastoralist communities reliant on livestock,” Mueke said.
He added that the Kenya Kwanza government’s BETA Agenda includes improving the meat value chain, recognizing the importance of sheep and goats in the rural economy and their contribution to popular Nyama Choma joints across the country. The State Department for Livestock Development is rolling out a nationwide vaccination campaign against PPR, with 700,000 doses allocated to Kitui County to vaccinate all sheep and goats.
The PS called upon all stakeholders to unite in the fight against PPR, urging for a collective effort to eradicate the disease. He acknowledged VSF Germany and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for their contributions to this critical initiative, appreciating that the involvement of these development partners underscores the collaborative effort needed to tackle PPR effectively.
“Eradicating PPR by 2027 is a challenging but achievable goal. It requires sustained effort and collaboration between government entities, international organizations, and local communities. The strategy for eradication includes not only vaccination but also improved surveillance, diagnostics, and response mechanisms,” Mueke advised.
Kitui Chief Officer for Livestock and Apiculture, Jonathan Kyambi, reiterated the county government’s dedication to improving livestock breeds and overall agricultural output. “Our goal is to support farmers by providing superior livestock breeds and the necessary resources to boost their livelihoods. This vaccination campaign is a crucial component of this initiative,” Kyambi said.
The launch of the PPR vaccination campaign represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to enhance livestock health and secure rural livelihoods. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together towards a common goal, aimed at eradicating PPR and supporting the development of a vibrant, resilient livestock sector.
