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Foot and mouth outbreak threatens livelihoods

Several farmers have reported loss of their animals prompting action by the county administration.

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by BY MATHEWS NDANYI

Rift-valley22 October 2025 - 09:03
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In Summary


  • The county government has subsidised the vaccination, reducing the cost per cow from Sh160 to Sh50, making livestock health accessible and affordable for every household.
  • According to Bii, the initiative is a critical step in safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, securing the county’s food supply and opening new opportunities for livestock exports.
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Vaccination drive at Kipsomba in Uasin Gishu on October 19, 2025





An outbreak of foot and mouth disease is threatening the livelihoods of livestock farmers in Uasin Gishu county.

The county has intensified a fight against the animal disease by launching a county-wide vaccination exercise which started in Kipsomba ward.

The exercise targets over 355,000 cattle across all 30 wards in the county and Governor Jonathan Bii has directed quick response by livestock officers to stop the spread of the disease.

Several farmers have reported loss of their animals prompting action by the county administration.

The vaccination is aimed at ensuring that farmers’ livestock are protected against the highly contagious disease.

The county government has subsidised the vaccination, reducing the cost per cow from Sh160 to Sh50, making livestock health accessible and affordable for every household.

According to Bii, the initiative is a critical step in safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, securing the county’s food supply and opening new opportunities for livestock exports.

The exercise is being implemented as an e-Voucher vaccination programme in partnership with the national government. Farmers are registered digitally and veterinary officers are deployed systematically, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and timely service. 

Over 114 veterinary officers have been mobilised across the county to carry out the vaccinations.

The governor has also emphasised the importance of community participation, urging farmers to cooperate fully with veterinary teams and take advantage of the subsidised e-Voucher programme.

This exercise is part of a broader strategy by the government to strengthen livestock health, prevent economic losses and promote sustainable agricultural growth.

“As a leading livestock farming region, we are working to maintain our region’s position as a hub for quality livestock ready for both local and international markets.”

The county recently made a historic move after successfully exporting 50 in-calf Ayrshire heifers to Nigeria in a move that boosts the livestock sector.

The initiative was also the first major export by the region through the Eldoret International Airport.

County officials termed the move as a major milestone and a significant step in the county’s mission to economically uplift farmers while positioning itself as a leader in quality livestock production.

The heifers, sourced by Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Limited from farmers across the county, were flown out of Eldoret International Airport directly to Nigeria.

This was the county’s first-ever air export of livestock to West Africa.

The governor said the move reflects continued investment in livestock development through his Nguzo Kumi agenda, which focuses on agricultural transformation and economic empowerment.


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