President William Ruto has confirmed that the planned mass vaccination of animals early next year will proceed despite opposition from some politicians and veterinarians.
Ruto stated that he is determined to ensure that cattle are vaccinated in order to reduce infections and improve the quality of milk and meat in the worldwide market.
“If we don’t vaccinate our livestock, how will we deal with diseases like foot and mouth?” Ruto posed.
“We have negotiated the market for our livestock products but we must first contain the disease.”
Speaking at a Sunday Church service at the A.I.C Kipkorgot in Uasin Gishu County, the President denied that the vaccines will be imported.
“The vaccination will be done by our scientists and vaccinations are being manufactured here in Kabete,” Ruto said.
According to the president, Kenya has Africa’s largest facility for producing livestock vaccines.
“We have been selling the vaccines to other countries,” Ruto said.
The Head of State urged leaders to refrain from politicizing the vaccine drive, saying it was unfortunate that politicians were playing with the livelihoods of Kenyans and the country’s economy.
“Let us not politicise the things that matter for our people, let’s unite and work together for the food of Kenyans,” Ruto told his critics.
Some lawmakers in Kenya have questioned the motives behind the vaccine drive, prompting harsh criticism of the Kwanza government.
The Kenya Veterinary Association has also alleged that it was not engaged in the planning or production of the vaccines to be used, urging the government to come clean about the scheme.
Some politicians have threatened to organize their followers and supporters to oppose the planned vaccine, claiming that the administration does not understand the significance of the mass vaccination drive.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now Ruto’s sharpest adversary, has encouraged the government to lobby Kenyans politely and without force to ensure that the campaign is genuine.
