Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim has dismissed political leaders who are opposed to a planned mass vaccination of livestock.
Bii argues that those opposed to the government plan are out to mislead members of the public.
According to the county boss, there is nothing wrong with the government planning to vaccinate livestock.
“We have been having vaccination ever since. We vaccinate dogs, chicken, and even ourselves, so what’s the fuss about the government planning of livestock vaccination?” he asked.
“Anyone saying contrary to what the government wants is merely misleading the people,” he added.
The governor pointed out that farmers should embrace the government’s plan as its meant to benefit livestock production.
“We have to allow our cows vaccinated as planned because we want safe meat, and milk and also improve on our livestock production,” Bii noted.
The government plans to roll out the mass vaccination of livestock early in 2025. However, the plan has received objections from a section of political leaders and farmers.
Those opposed to it argue that there is a hidden agenda in mass vaccination.
Why are Kenyans opposed to livestock vaccination?
According to Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich, opposition to the mass vaccination stems from a lack of clear communication from the government.
“Many people have not been well informed as to why it is important to do mass vaccination. It is an issue of communication,” Bishop Kimengich said in a media briefing after leading Christmas mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret.
“When things are not clear, then people will obviously have doubts,” he added.
The clergy further pointed out that many depend on livestock farming and will not put their animals at risk if the vaccination drive is not clearly explained.
At least 22 million livestock are expected to be vaccinated in the government’s drive set to begin in January 2025.
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