The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has urged the government to postpone the planned nationwide mass livestock vaccination, calling for adequate public sensitization to address misinformation and resistance among livestock keepers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the KVA emphasized the need for public awareness to ensure farmers understand the benefits of vaccination and actively participate. The association warned that rushing the program without proper engagement could lead to “unmitigated failure” and reinforce suspicions about misuse of funds.

KVA further called on authorities to prioritize diseases most prevalent in specific regions, optimize resources, and provide transparent information to allow farmers to make independent and informed decisions.

While acknowledging KVA’s concerns, President William Ruto defended the programme, stating that it is safe, transformative, and critical to increasing livestock yields and controlling diseases. Speaking during the annual Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County on Tuesday, the President dismissed detractors for spreading propaganda and misinformation.

The President emphasized that failure to vaccinate has hampered Kenya’s ability to access regional and international markets for livestock products due to disease prevalence.