Nandi County has rolled out a groundbreaking digital livestock vaccination campaign aimed at eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and establishing the county as a disease-free zone. The launch took place at Dr. Rotich’s farm in Biribiriet village, Chesumei Sub-County, led by Governor Stephen Sang alongside officials from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), including Dr. David Kios. The initiative integrates digital registration and e-voucher vaccinations, enabling every animal to be tracked through biometric identification technology, linking each cow to its rightful owner and ensuring full traceability.
The vaccination drive is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and targets 100 percent coverage within one month. Nandi County’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, with over 75 percent of households engaged in farming and livestock rearing. Governor Sang highlighted that the campaign is crucial for sustaining dairy production, improving herd health, and enhancing market competitiveness for Kenyan livestock products. Veterinary experts, including Dr. Allan Azegele, emphasized that consistent vaccination is the most effective method to control FMD, reduce milk production losses, and protect farmer incomes. The initiative also complements efforts to expand the Nandi Dairy Cooperative Factory’s capacity and promote value-added products such as yogurt, butter, and cheese.
Local farmers have welcomed the digital vaccination program, noting that it improves productivity, reduces theft, and opens access to premium local and international markets. Emily Chelimo, a dairy farmer from Biribiriet, said the biometric registration gives her peace of mind and confidence in selling milk and livestock to larger markets. Officials project that with healthier, vaccinated herds, milk production will rise sharply in the coming years, attracting private investment, generating employment, and strengthening the county’s livestock sector. By integrating farmers into national livestock databases, Nandi County is positioning itself as a model for modern livestock management and rural economic growth in Kenya.