
Gichuiya Nancy |
In the wake of recent challenges facing the livestock sector, President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua also addressed the pressing issue of livestock health and disease management during the 9th annual meeting in Meru.

Reports of impurities found in certain batches of livestock vaccines raised concerns among farmers, threatening the health and productivity of their herds. In response, the government announced plans to roll out a comprehensive livestock vaccination program, ensuring the availability of high-quality vaccines free from contaminants.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of robust quality control measures and regulatory oversight to safeguard the integrity of livestock vaccines and protect the health of animals. He assured farmers that stringent measures would be put in place to hold suppliers and manufacturers accountable for any lapses in quality assurance.
Deputy Gachagua echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration among all stakeholders to restore confidence in the vaccination process and prevent further disruptions to livestock production.
As part of the vaccination program, President Ruto announced the allocation of additional resources to strengthen veterinary services, expand vaccine distribution networks, and enhance disease surveillance mechanisms across the country. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating livestock diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever, which pose significant threats to animal health and livelihoods in rural communities.
Deputy Gachagua outlined specific measures to improve vaccine procurement processes, including engaging multiple suppliers, conducting rigorous quality tests, and streamlining distribution channels to ensure timely delivery to remote areas. He underscored the importance of building trust and credibility within the livestock industry through transparent communication and active engagement with farmers and other stakeholders.
Addressing the challenges faced by dairy farmers due to fluctuating market prices and production costs, the government pledged to set a minimum price of sh 50 per liter for raw milk across the country.
President Ruto underscored the importance of providing farmers with a fair and predictable income, highlighting the critical role of the dairy sector in supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to national food security. He emphasized that the establishment of a minimum price would provide much-needed stability to dairy farming households, enabling them to cover production expenses, invest in farm improvements, and improve their standard of living.
President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the dairy industry through targeted interventions aimed at enhancing productivity, quality standards, and market access for smallholder farmers.
They called upon all stakeholders to collaborate closely in the implementation of measures to strengthen the dairy value chain, promote value addition, and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth and development in the sector.