The County Government of Kitui has officially launched a subsidised mass livestock vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) (Muthingithu /Mutata) in Nuu Ward with Ngatanio ya Aimi CBO. This move is aimed at protecting livestock-based livelihoods and strengthening food security.
Speaking during the launch, the Kitui Executive for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Mbaya noted that FMD remains one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases, causing reduced productivity, loss of income and frequent closure of livestock markets.
He revealed that while the national prevalence of FMD stands at 52.5 per cent, Kitui County records a prevalence of 28.8 per cent, underscoring the need for sustained preventive measures, saying that the disease is estimated to cause annual economic losses of up to KShs 3.62 billion nationally, largely affecting pastoralist and mixed farming communities.
Dr. Mbaya announced that the countywide vaccination exercise will roll out from 2nd February 2026 and will cover all 40 wards, targeting over 245, 000 cattle, including those not captured in the KIAMIS database noting that the vaccination will be conducted by trained and licensed veterinary officers using approved vaccines from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI).
“To enhance affordability, the County Government has subsidised the cost from KShs 160 to KShs 50 per animal.The county government has set aside Ksh26M for vaccination of cattle against FMD. It be done through cooperatives and we beseech farmers to join organized groups for government support,” He said.
The campaign will be implemented through an e-voucher system to promote transparency, efficiency and ensure subsidies reach intended beneficiaries. Dr. Mbaya urged farmers to present all eligible cattle for vaccination and cooperate with veterinary officers, noting that disease control is a shared responsibility.
The initiative aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s development agenda The Kitui Promise, as it complements other ongoing animal health interventions targeting priority livestock diseases across the county.
Also present was Deputy County Commissioner for Mwingi East John Kipsia, Nuu OCS Peter Adero, Chief officers Jonathan Kyambi (Livestock), Stephen Salee ( Decentralised unit), Directors Francis Kitoo (Agriculture), Dr. Kamonzo (Livestock), Justus Kivuvo Mwingi central subcounty administrator, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Ward Administrator, Village administrators, Agriprenuers, Veterinary Officers among other County Livestock experts and Officers.