Bungoma has launched a countywide E-Voucher cattle vaccination and identification programme at a cost of Sh29.2 million, targeting about 266,000 cattle.
Speaking at Wabukhonyi in Ndivisi ward, during the official launch, the county governor Kenneth Lusaka said the initiative anchored on an E-Voucher subsidy system, will ensure vaccination of local cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Lusaka added that in order to implement the programme effectively, the county administration had engaged 58 private animal health practitioners to work alongside government veterinarians in a door-to-door campaign, unlike the old mass vaccination model.
“Every cow in the region will be registered, identified, and monitored through modern technology to enhance traceability and animal health,” Lusaka said.
He added that the programme was about protecting farmers from losses and improving market access.
The governor added that under the scheme, farmers will pay Sh50 per animal, while the county government tops up with Sh110 subsidy.
“During the vaccination drive, there will be a rollout of a cattle identification system using the Mifugo 360 Super App, which will digitally link each cow to its owner,” he noted.
Lusaka said the innovation is expected to curb livestock theft, improve disease monitoring and open structured markets for farmers, which has been a major challenge in the county.
He added that the purpose of this programme was to lay a foundation for sustainable livestock farming and better incomes for our people.
The governor called upon farmers to fully to embrace the programme, cautioning them that failing to vaccinate and register animals could expose them to unnecessary losses.
“The move marks a milestone efforts to modernize agriculture and secure livelihoods in a county, where livestock rearing remains a backbone of the rural economy,” he said.
Lusaka also revealed that the county is expected to make wider agricultural reforms including the establishment of Ward-based Saccos.
“This will improve farmers’ access to credit support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in every ward,” he said.
by Douglas Mudambo
