Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has refuted claims that Kenya relies on donations for its livestock vaccines.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Kagwe dismissed as propaganda the suggestion that the country depends on foreign tycoons to meet its veterinary vaccine needs.

“Let me make this clear. There was a while back when propaganda spread that our vaccines were being donated by some American tycoons. That is not true,” Kagwe said.

He explained that Kenya, far from being a vaccine-dependent country, is actually a producer and exporter of key animal vaccines.

Vaccine exports strong

Kagwe revealed that Kenya, through the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), exports vaccines, particularly for foot-and-mouth disease, to more than 14 countries in the region.

These include Uganda, Tanzania, and others that depend on Kenya’s biotechnology capabilities.

“It would not make sense to say we are importing vaccines when at the same time we are exporting the same vaccines,” he said, reiterating the importance of investing in domestic production.

He also noted that the government is actively expanding KEVEVAPI’s capacity to boost production and improve response to livestock disease outbreaks.

Livestock health priority

Kagwe emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective solution for controlling livestock diseases. “Just like in the human race, the animal kingdom experiences outbreaks. And when they come, the solution is essentially vaccinating,” he said.

He cited that Kenya currently hosts over 177 million livestock, underscoring the scale of responsibility the government bears in safeguarding animal health and livelihoods dependent on the sector.

Kagwe assured the public that KEVEVAPI is working to meet global standards in vaccine manufacturing, positioning Kenya as a hub for livestock health solutions in the region.

“Our institution is standardizing at levels equal to any other in the world. We are capable of making world-class vaccines,” he said.