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Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has called on the Ministry of Livestock and Agriculture to provide more details about the ongoing livestock vaccination program.

He emphasized the need for clarity to help farmers make better-informed decisions.

In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Kaluma questioned the aim of the nationwide vaccination drive.

He expressed concern that farmers might be left in the dark about the program’s objectives and potential benefits.

“What is the aim of the proposed vaccination of cows in Kenya? To what end? Would the Minister for Livestock communicate/explain it with clarity to enable informed decision?” Kaluma wrote.

What is the aim of the proposed vaccination of cows in Kenya?
To what end?
Would the Minister for Livestock communicate/explain it with clarity to enable informed decision?@kilimoKE

— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (@gpdkaluma) December 12, 2024

The vaccination program, which is spearheaded by President William Ruto, seeks to immunize millions of livestock across Kenya. The upcoming campaign has faced criticism from some leaders who have called on farmers to oppose the initiative.

Kalonzo opposes

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on November 15, 2024, urged Kenyans to reject the drive, alleging it is a research agenda by international partners.

“People behind this plan do not carry out the same vaccination programs in their nations where they have considerably more cattle than Kenya… We urge you to oppose this nefarious act by this dangerous and unpopular regime,” Kalonzo remarked.

Similarly, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba dismissed the campaign as a Western-driven climate change agenda.

“Listening to the president, it is clear that the idea is a ‘climate change’ move that is supposed to help us reduce the release of methane in the air,” she stated.

During the fourth Pastoralist Leadership Summit held in Wajir on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, President William Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the national livestock vaccination campaign.

The President dismissed criticisms of the program, describing them as baseless and illogical. He highlighted the importance of the initiative in eradicating livestock diseases, which is crucial for boosting productivity and ensuring the global competitiveness of Kenya’s animal products.

“Anybody opposing vaccination is simply mad, unreasonable, and possibly stupid,” Ruto stated.

“The vaccination is necessary because we need disease-free livestock. I want to tell livestock keepers that there is an evil spirit in Kenya that is resident in some leaders who oppose everything.”