Narok Launches Countywide Livestock Vaccination Drive to Curb Foot and Mouth Disease
Narok County has rolled out an extensive vaccination campaign targeting Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle, marking one of the largest livestock protection efforts undertaken in the region in recent years. The programme kicked off on 8 October 2025 at Nkoilale Trading Centre in Siana Ward and at the Keiyian Farmers Cooperative Society grounds, with Governor Patrick Keturet Ole Ntutu leading the launch alongside senior county and national officials.
Speaking during the event, Governor Ntutu emphasized that safeguarding livestock remains a top priority, given the county’s heavy reliance on pastoralism and dairy farming. He noted that the vaccination effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce outbreaks of notifiable livestock diseases. Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Allan Azegele, County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia, and Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli also attended the launch, underscoring the multi-agency support behind the initiative.
Alongside the vaccination rollout, Governor Ntutu issued dummy cheques to 16 cooperative societies under the Enterprise Development Grant programme, supported jointly by the County Government and the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). The funds will help cooperatives upgrade services including E-voucher farmer registration, electricity connections, and artificial insemination services across Transmara and Narok. Beneficiary cooperatives include Lanyuak Farmers, Nairagie Enkare Farmers, Nalepo Olepolos, Olmekenyu, and Narok Tomato Farmers, among others.
Under the new subsidy model, farmers will contribute only KSh 50 per cow—down from the usual KSh 160—while the government covers the remaining KSh 110. The programme will be coordinated at ward level through farmer cooperatives, with committees comprising farmers’ representatives, Chiefs, Ward Administrators, and Livestock Extension Officers ensuring smooth implementation.