Farmers now demand independent tests of livestock vaccines

Njeri Gatheca from Naiposha dairy farm in Naivasha feeds dairy cattle with hay amid an increase in prices of livestock feed by over 50 percent in the last two years. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Farmers from Trans Nzoia have demanded an independent evaluation and laboratory tests of the vaccines before they can consider the cattle jab exercise propagated by the government.

The farmers are among those who read foul play in the exercise and want to be allowed to know the chemical composition of the vaccines from private veterinary officers.

They are opposing the government’s ambitious plan to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep against diseases like foot-and-mouth (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

The farmers, however, argue that their livelihoods are at stake and that the government has failed to provide sufficient information about the vaccine’s potential side effects.

“We cannot blindly trust the government on this. Through our cooperatives and farmer groups, we will mobilise resources to conduct independent tests. We need full transparency and absolute assurance on this vaccine’s safety before considering it for our animals,” declared John Rono, one of the farmers.

Mr Rono criticised the government’s approach, accusing officials of rushing to implement projects without adequate planning or stakeholder involvement.

“We have seen this happen before. Projects are hastily rolled out only for irregularities and corruption to surface later,”  Rono added.

While skepticism dominates, some farmers are in favour of the initiative.

John Komen, a dairy farmer from Kapsitwet in Kwanza Constituency, supports the vaccination programme. 

Komen lost four dairy cows, worth approximately Sh450,000, to FMD earlier this year and believes the government’s efforts are in good faith.

“The government wouldn’t harm its people by providing a dangerous vaccine. This is a well-researched initiative aimed at promoting dairy farming and securing international markets for cattle products,” Komen said.

He emphasised the urgency of mass vaccination, noting that the slow response of veterinary services during outbreaks often leaves farmers counting massive losses.

“In our area ( Kapsitwet) dairy farmers lost over 20 cattle to FMD this year, amounting to losses of more than Sh2.5 million,” he recounted.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Karanja has sought to allay fears, assuring farmers of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

Karanja noted that the vaccine, manufactured locally, has undergone rigorous safety and efficacy tests. It has already been adopted by 13 African nations, including Uganda, which has procured 3 million doses. Countries in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also expressed interest.

“The vaccine has been tested and proven effective. This is a crucial step in protecting our livestock, securing their productivity, and enhancing the marketability of our animal products globally,” Dr Karanja said.

He also highlighted the economic benefits of the vaccination programme, emphasising its potential to boost exports and strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector.

The Kenya Veterinary Association, however, has criticised the government for failing to adequately engage stakeholders and sensitise the public about the vaccination programme.

[Martin Ndiema]

Despite government reassurances, many farmers remain unconvinced. They are calling for independent testing by veterinary experts and credible laboratories to verify the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

“Our livestock are our livelihood. We cannot afford to take risks with their health. If this vaccine harms our animals, the consequences will be devastating for our families and communities,” said Geoffrey Kirui, a dairy farmer from Saboti.

Mr Kirui stressed the need for credible scientific evidence to support the government’s claims.

He said that the government should provide clear, evidence-based assurances about the vaccine, for the success of the programme will depend on fostering trust and cooperation to safeguard both the farmers’ livelihoods and the nation’s livestock industry.

“We need to see the data, the research, and independent assessments. Government assurances alone are not enough,” Kirui insisted.