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Kitui County has launched a large-scale livestock vaccination campaign amid worsening drought conditions affecting the region. The initiative targets around 85,000 cattle and 203,000 goats.
The campaign will begin with mass vaccinations of cattle against foot-and-mouth disease in Nuu ward, Mwingi Central subcounty, on Friday, before expanding to the remaining 39 wards starting February 2.
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The drive aims to protect animals from the severe drought, which has left pastures and water sources depleted, threatening livestock health.
The initiative follows recommendations from a County Steering Group meeting held on December 18, co-chaired by County Commissioner Erastus Mbui and Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to prevent livestock deaths as the drought escalates from alert to alarm levels.
Officials noted that the poor October–December rains led to scarce pasture, resulting in weak livestock across the county. The group approved a budget of nearly Sh300,000 to vaccinate 85,346 cattle and 203,563 goats between January and March.
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Reports indicated that in November, disease outbreaks claimed at least 52 cattle and 116 goats, affecting roughly 40 households. The drought has hit hardest in Mwingi North and Mwingi Central subcounties, where water sources are now 7–10 km apart, with Kitui East and Kitui South also severely impacted.
The county agriculture department is urging farmers to bring their animals for vaccination, charging Sh50 per head of cattle for the foot-and-mouth vaccine—a fee described as affordable to encourage broad participation.
“The county government will use an e-voucher system to ensure transparency and efficiency,” said Stephen Kimwele, executive in charge of agriculture and livestock.
He added that trained veterinary officers will administer only approved vaccines and that vaccinations for sheep and goats against other common diseases will continue.
Farmers are encouraged to cooperate with the programme to safeguard livestock during the ongoing drought.
