By G, KNA
Kiambu County has introduced a digital system for cattle vaccination and monitoring, through the Department of Agriculture, integrating cutting-edge technology known as Muzzle technology via a new mobile application called Mifugo 360.
The initiative aims to improve livestock health management and traceability across the region, starting with the vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
According to Limuru Sub-county Veterinary Officer, Dr Shadrack Ng’ang’a, the digital platform is revolutionizing the way farmers register and manage their animals.
Ng’ang’a said the technology, which identifies cattle using their unique muzzle patterns, offers a modern and humane alternative to traditional identification methods such as branding and ear tagging.
“Muzzle technology allows us to recognize each animal individually based on its muzzle pattern, which is as unique as a human fingerprint,” Dr Ng’ang’a explained adding: “This innovation ensures more accurate record-keeping, better tracking of vaccination history, and easier disease control.”
The Mifugo 360 App, developed as part of Kiambu County’s broader digital transformation agenda, enables veterinary officers to scan an animal’s muzzle and instantly access or update its vaccination and health records. Farmers can also use the App to register their livestock and receive notifications about upcoming vaccination drives or disease alerts.
Dr Ng’ang’a noted that accurate animal identification and data management are crucial for controlling outbreaks such as Foot and Mouth Disease, which has periodically affected livestock in the region.
“By registering and vaccinating their cattle through this system, farmers are contributing to the creation of a traceable and healthier herd population,” he said.
The ongoing FMD vaccination campaign has also been made more affordable for farmers. The county government has subsidized the cost of vaccination from Sh160 per animal to just Sh50.
The subsidy is designed to encourage wider participation and ensure that no farmer is left out of the exercise.
Local farmers have welcomed the innovation, saying it simplifies record-keeping and enhances livestock management.
“Previously, it was hard to prove ownership or vaccination history without physical tags, which often got lost or damaged,” said Peter Gitau, a farmer in Limuru.
“Now, with the Mifugo 360 app, everything is stored digitally, and the process is faster and more reliable.”
Kiambu County’s Department of Agriculture has partnered with local veterinary officers to roll out training sessions for farmers on how to use the new system.
The department plans to expand the technology to other livestock management areas, including disease surveillance, breeding programs, and market access.
Dr Ng’ang’a urged farmers to take advantage of the subsidized vaccination campaign and the benefits of digital registration.
“We are moving towards a future where every animal is traceable, every vaccination is recorded, and every disease can be quickly managed through real-time data,” he said. “Farmers should seize this opportunity to protect their livestock and livelihoods,” he stressed.
The initiative aligns with the National Government’s broader objectives under the agriculture pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to enhance dairy and beef cattle productivity through the Animal Health and Genetic Delivery Model. This synergy between county-level innovation and national policy aims to modernize livestock production and strengthen Kenya’s agricultural resilience.