Livestock stakeholders in Garissa county have praised the government's continued efforts to eradicate tsetse flies.
These efforts are being coordinated by the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council.
Kenya Livestock Marketing Council chairman Dubat Amey said Garissa county experiences the burden of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis mostly during dry seasons.
Amey said the flies affect grazing areas of Boni forest and the River Tana belt.
“For a very long time pastoralists in this region and especially have had to grapple with tse tse flies. This has in a big away affected milk production,” he said.
Amey spoke during a meeting with Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane.
The meeting was attended by Kentec representatives.
Dagane assured the livestock council members of full support including securing an office space.
“Our farmers have for a long time been incurring huge looses because of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis. But we want to appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with Kentec to manage the burden,” he said.
Kentec board chairperson Geofrey Mutahi said the board understands the economic value attached to the livestock sector and the role it plays in livelihoods.
He said they will work hand in hand with all stakeholders to ensure they completely rid the county of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis.
The agency is planning to carry out a baseline study of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis prevalence in Garissa.
In Kenya, 38 out of 47 counties are tsetse fly infested. Nearly 11 million people are at risk contracting sleeping sickness in the lake Victoria basin and Mara Serengeti ecosystem.
The economic losses attributable to tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis are attributable to: cost of human and animal treatment, death of humans and animals, abortions and loss of milk.
Others are inability to plough in certain areas, inaccessibility to grazing grounds, low market value for affected animals, loss of foreign exchange through import of drugs/pesticide and lost opportunity to export livestock and livestock products.
Kentec's mandate include advising the government on tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis eradication.
It also recommends standards and guidelines for tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis eradication.
Determine and advice and advice the government on national goals, priorities and strategies for tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis eradication among others.
