Herders in Narok to benefit from subsidised FMD vaccination program
Rift Valley
By
George Sayagie
| Sep 02, 2025
Livestock farmers in Narok County are set to benefit from a government-subsidised Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme aimed at protecting animals.
The exercise announced by Narok County Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, also seeks to boost animal productivity, and enable farmers to access international markets.
“This is more than just a vaccination campaign. It is an investment in our people, our economy, and our future. Let us ensure no farmer is left behind,” said Koech.
READ ALSO: In Kenya, livestock farming stands as a testament to tradition and resilience
He said over 350,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser was distributed to farmers during the long rains, and another 100,000 bags will be distributed in Naroko during the short rains.
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Koech stressed the need to replicate this kind of support in the livestock sector, particularly given the heavy reliance of Narok households on animal farming.
“Foot and Mouth Disease has long been a threat to our livestock farmers. This subsidy will not only make vaccines affordable but will also protect our economy by improving the quality of meat and milk, reducing losses, and making our livestock more competitive in local and global markets,” she stated.
Koech spoke to the media at the county government offices. He was accompanied by County Assembly Speaker Davis Dikirr and officials from the county veterinary department.
Ordinarily, vaccinating a cow against FMD costs Sh160, but under the new scheme, the government will cover Sh110, leaving farmers to pay only Sh50 per animal.
Vaccination will commence once farmers have registered their animals on the E-voucher system, a digital platform designed to improve livestock traceability, breeding records, and disease surveillance.
According to Dr Gideon Nkeyasha, Narok County Director of Veterinary Services, farmers not yet registered on the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS) will receive support to ensure they are included.
“To ensure effective implementation, the programme will be coordinated at the ward level through existing farmer cooperatives under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP),” he said.
Each ward will have a dedicated committee composed of farmer representatives, chiefs, ward administrators, and livestock extension officers to oversee the process.
In response to the shortage of veterinary personnel, the government plans to hire 30 veterinary surgeons and 210 animal health experts, all licensed by the Kenya Veterinary Board. These professionals will lead the vaccination efforts and provide vital animal health services across the county.
READ: Kenya holds first expo to promote livestock farming
To ensure the quality and safety of the vaccines, all doses will be sourced from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI). Deputy Governor Koech emphasised that counterfeit vaccines will not be tolerated, and strict oversight measures are in place to prevent their circulation.
The county government aims to officially launch the vaccination drive by the end of September 2025, following extensive sensitisation and training efforts across all wards.
The key benefits outlined by the Deputy Governor include affordable vaccination through government subsidies, control and reduction of foot and mouth disease, Improved meat and milk production and access to international markets.
Other benefits are strengthened farmer cooperatives, employment opportunities for veterinary professionals and enhanced animal health services countywide.
“This programme is a game-changer for Narok’s livestock sector,” said Koech. “We are calling on all farmers to register and take full advantage of this opportunity.”
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