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The County Government of Kitui has launched a KSh26 million subsidised mass livestock vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a move that underscores Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s renewed push to safeguard livestock-based livelihoods and strengthen food security under his development blueprint, The Kitui Promise.
The countywide initiative was officially unveiled in Nuu Ward, Mwingi East Sub-County, in partnership with Ngatanio ya Aimi Community-Based Organisation, marking a major milestone in Kitui’s animal health and disease prevention efforts.
Speaking at the launch, county officials emphasized that the vaccination programme is a direct reflection of Governor Malombe’s commitment to building resilient agricultural systems and protecting farmers from preventable economic shocks caused by livestock diseases. Livestock farming remains a key pillar of Kitui’s economy, supporting thousands of households across the county.
The County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya, noted that Foot and Mouth Disease is among the most economically devastating livestock diseases, often leading to reduced productivity, loss of income and frequent closure of livestock markets.
Dr. Mbaya revealed that while the national prevalence of FMD stands at 52.5 per cent, Kitui County’s prevalence is comparatively lower at 28.8 per cent a figure he said demonstrates progress but also highlights the need for sustained preventive interventions.
Nationally, the disease is estimated to cause annual economic losses of up to KSh3.62 billion, disproportionately affecting pastoralist and mixed farming communities.
He announced that the countywide vaccination exercise will roll out from 2nd February 2026, covering all 40 wards and targeting over 245,000 cattle, including animals not captured in the KIAMIS database. The exercise will be carried out by trained and licensed veterinary officers using approved vaccines supplied by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI).
“To make the programme affordable to farmers, the County Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, has subsidised the cost of vaccination from KSh160 to KSh50 per animal,” Dr. Mbaya said. “The county has set aside KSh26 million for this exercise, which will be implemented through cooperatives. We encourage farmers to join organised groups to benefit from government support.”
The vaccination campaign will be implemented through an e-voucher system to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability, ensuring subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries. Farmers were urged to present all eligible cattle for vaccination and to fully cooperate with veterinary officers, with officials stressing that disease control is a shared responsibility.
County officials noted that the initiative complements other ongoing animal health interventions being implemented under Governor Malombe’s administration, aimed at controlling priority livestock diseases and improving overall productivity in the sector.
The launch was attended by Deputy County Commissioner for Mwingi East John Kipsia, Nuu OCS Peter Adero, Chief Officers Jonathan Kyambi (Livestock) and Stephen Salee (Decentralised Units), Directors Francis Kitoo (Agriculture), Dr. Kamonzo (Livestock), Mwingi Central Sub-County Administrator Justus Kivuvo, chiefs, assistant chiefs, ward and village administrators, agripreneurs, veterinary officers and other county livestock experts.
The subsidised vaccination drive is expected to significantly reduce disease outbreaks, stabilise livestock markets and reinforce Kitui County’s march towards food security and economic resilience under Governor Malombe’s leadership.
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