The government, in partnership with the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA), has launched an ambitious e-voucher livestock vaccination and breeding programme aimed at transforming the livestock sector into a key pillar of Kenya’s economy.
The initiative seeks to raise the sector’s contribution to the national GDP from the current 12 per cent to 20 per cent by 2030. It focuses on disease control, breed improvement, and enhanced feeding systems all supported through a digital e-voucher platform that subsidises animal health and breeding services for farmers across the country.
Speaking during the launch, KVA Chairperson Dr. Kelvin Osore described the programme as a milestone in Kenya’s agricultural modernization journey.
“This programme is a game-changer for Kenya’s livestock industry. It leverages digital technology to make animal health services more transparent, accessible, and affordable to farmers,” he said.
Through the e-voucher model, farmers will be able to access subsidised vaccination and breeding services by redeeming digital vouchers.
The rollout targets 22 million cattle and more than 50 million sheep and goats for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) two of the most economically destructive livestock diseases in the country.
Under the cost-sharing plan, farmers will contribute Sh50 per animal for FMD vaccination, while the government covers the remaining Sh110 through an electronic subsidy.
Vaccination campaigns have already begun in 11 counties, with nationwide coverage across all 47 counties expected by November 2025.
According to KVA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samson Muchelule, the initiative aims to achieve at least 70 per cent vaccination coverage within four years the threshold required to control FMD effectively.
“We are confident that by 2027, Kenya will have eradicated PPR three years ahead of the continental target set for 2030,” Dr. Muchelule noted.
He added that one of the standout innovations in the programme is the use of muzzle recognition technology, a digital identification system that enhances traceability and data accuracy in livestock management.
The e-voucher programme is expected to revolutionize animal health services, strengthen food security, and empower millions of livestock farmers through technology-driven solutions.
