MAKUENI LAUNCHES DIGITAL FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE VACCINATION DRIVE

Makueni County has launched a countywide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination program aimed at controlling outbreaks and improving livestock productivity.

The exercise, officially launched in Makiou, Kilome Sub-County, is being implemented using a digital e-voucher system that registers each head of cattle through a muzzle-based identification process. Farmers will pay a subsidized fee of Ksh. 50 per cow, with all payments conducted online.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led the launch, said the program is intended to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods by preventing the spread of the highly contagious disease. She urged livestock farmers to participate fully in the exercise and work closely with their cooperatives to ensure timely vaccination.

The vaccination drive will be rolled out across all wards in the county and coordinated through 13 cooperatives and farmer societies to ensure effective coverage and implementation.

County Executive Committee Members Elizabeth Muli (Agriculture) and Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), as well as members of the County Assembly Agriculture Committee, attended the launch.

The program is expected to significantly reduce FMD outbreaks and improve milk and meat production in Makueni County.