Meru County has teamed up with a national farmers’ union to roll out a large-scale livestock vaccination campaign aimed at protecting herders from escalating disease outbreaks. The joint initiative, unveiled this week, targets cattle, goats, and sheep across several subcounties, with county veterinary officers and union experts conducting field clinics to reach remote farmers. Authorities say the effort is designed to curb recurring illnesses that have disrupted dairy and meat production, threatening household incomes and local food security.
The partnership comes at a time when livestock keepers in Meru have raised concerns over increasing cases of contagious diseases, especially during shifting climate conditions that create favourable environments for infections. County officials noted that previous vaccination efforts had been hindered by high costs and limited access, leaving many smallholders exposed. By collaborating with the farmers’ union, Meru County hopes to pool resources, strengthen outreach, and ensure consistent supply of approved vaccines. Mobile teams have already begun visits to farms, offering both vaccination services and training on disease prevention, animal nutrition, and safe handling practices.
Early reactions from farmers have been largely positive, with many welcoming the county’s renewed commitment to livestock health. Some residents say the drive could significantly reduce losses often suffered during disease outbreaks, helping stabilise incomes for thousands of households who rely on livestock as their primary economic activity. Local leaders have praised the initiative as a step toward long-term agricultural resilience, urging the county to maintain the programme beyond the current exercise. With plans to expand the drive to all wards in the coming weeks, officials believe the campaign will not only improve animal health but also strengthen Meru’s broader agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in the region’s economy.