Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has called for partnership in livestock vaccination programmes among member counties that form the Central Region Economic Bloc (CEREB).
Speaking after inking a five-year working MOU with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) over the weekend, the county boss said such an arrangement will go along in arresting the spread of known and emerging diseases among livestock.
The Governor further said such an arrangement will go far in curbing the spread of diseases in the event there is a major outbreak in any of the counties.
Apart from Nyeri, other counties in CEREB include Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Tharaka Nithi.
“We are looking into ways where we can have a working system that cuts across all the regions so that animal diseases can be dealt with region-wise, to make sure that all are safe and no cross-infections occur. This is a good initiative that will help our livestock farmers and protect animals, ensuring we combat animal deaths and reduce the massive negative effects to any animal-related production.” Said Kahiga who also doubles as the CEREB chair.
“KEVEVAPI produces vaccines, and having them as a close partner can help in vaccine production to combat outbreaks when they happen. It will ensure that there isn’t a delay in the purchase and delivery of them when the animals are dying.”
Under the five-year deal, KEVEVAPI will assist in training county staff on how to handle vaccines, help in conducting farmer awareness campaigns and work with CEREB to make controlling disease a priority.
On their part, the ten counties will ensure there is adherence to a unified plan, help with policy making, budgeting and keeping track of progress.
Kahiga said as one of the breadbasket counties in the region, Nyeri will continue to partner with likeminded stakeholders in uplifting the lives of the residents through programmes that value farming and other income related activities.
“Nyeri County’s mission is simple: to create, enhance, and sustain an environment that unlocks the potential of our people to achieve progressive socio-economic growth through an open and inclusive government. In the spirit of achieving this growth in the economy, we can’t ignore what Nyeri is known for—agriculture, and in this case, animal farming, which provides us with milk, meat, and other related products. This is why we must ensure that our animals—our livestock—are in top-tier shape, receiving proper medical care and vaccinations.” stated the Governor who was flanked by KEVEVAPI Managing Director, Dr Alex Sabuni.
“There was also an emphasis on getting the whole region, especially counties under CEREB, to work on a similar arrangement. Animals know no boundaries—whether it’s grazing or transport from one country or region to the next, the borders to them are very superficial. We might vaccinate animals in one region and then they get into contact with other non-vaccinated animals and cross-contamination occurs, “noted the Governor.
Kenya has six county economic blocs whose objective is to foster regional development for their people.
The blocs bring together counties with shared interests to utilise the available resources and human resources with the aim of attracting investors and in the process improving their overall economic growth.
These blocs include the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), the North Economic Bloc (NOREB), the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC)and the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB).
By Samuel Maina
