Kitui County Launches KSh26Million Vaccination Against Foot and Mouth Disease

The devolved unit targets strengthening food security by protecting livestock which are a major source of livelihoods. Speaking during the launch, Kitui CECM for Agriculture and Livestock Dr Stephen Mbaya said that FMD was among the most economically damaging livestock diseases leading to reduced productivity,  loss of income and frequent market closures. 

Dr Mbaya said Kenya experiences 52.5% prevalence of FMD. Kitui County,  he added, records a prevalence of 28.8%. Therefore,  there is need for sustained preventive measures.

FMD affects pastoralist and mixed farming communities. As for Kitui County,  a countywide vaccination will roll out from February 2,  2026. It will cover all the 40 wards. 

The vaccination will be conducted by trained and licensed veterinary officers using approved vaccines from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute,  KEVEVAPI.

The Agriculture and Livestock CECM said the county had subsidised FMD Vaccine from KSh160 to KSh50. "To enhance affordability,  the county government has subsidised the cost from KSh160 to KSh50 per animal. The county government has set aside KSh26million for vaccination of cattle against FMD", said CECM Dr Mbaya.

The Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led  government is implementing the FMD vaccination through an e-voucher system to promote transparency and efficiency by ensuring subsidised exercised reach all intended beneficiaries. 

Other government officials present during the FMD vaccination launch were the Deputy County Commissioner  for Mwingi East John Kipsia, Chief officers Jonathan Kyambi (Livestock), Stephen Salee (Decentralised Units), Mwingi Central sub county administrator Justus Kivuvo, chiefs,  assistant chiefs,   ward administrators and village administrators.