An ambitious vaccination campaign aimed at eliminating diseases in the livestock sector in Kenya is facing fierce opposition from farmers who are misinformed about the initiative, which is funded by the government. While officials aim to increase vaccination coverage from the current 10% to 85%, conspiracy theories surrounding foreign influence are hampering public support.
Kenya’s Livestock Vaccination Initiative Faces Backlash from Farmers
Kenya’s Livestock Vaccination Initiative Faces Backlash from Farmers
Efforts to vaccinate Kenyan livestock spark controversy fueled by misinformation and distrust.
In a bold move, the Kenyan government is set to launch a significant vaccination campaign targeting livestock, which is critical for the country's agricultural sector. However, this initiative is met with considerable pushback from farmers who are skeptical about the vaccines after President William Ruto announced the plan.
Farmers like Robert Nkukuu, from Nakuru County, have expressed that espousing pro-vaccination views can lead to severe social backlash. "If the community here learns you are pro-vaccination, they will slay you just now," he said, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding discussions about the vaccine. The government's ambitious goal aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep over the next three years, a move officials say is necessary to control diseases that threaten the livestock industry.
Although the vaccination initiative is costs farmers nothing due to government funding, misinformation has taken root, particularly claims that the program is backed by Bill Gates to control methane emissions from cattle. These claims have led to a swell of conspiracy theories online, dismissing the vaccination efforts and portraying them as a foreign agenda. Jonathan Mueke, a senior agriculture official, has confirmed that Gates has no involvement in the vaccination campaign.
Public sentiment among certain segments of the agricultural community remains skeptical, driven by high-profile personalities circulating misleading information on social media. In response, Ruto and other officials have attempted to counter these claims, asserting that the vaccines will not alter livestock genetics, a statement supported by experts in veterinary science.
Despite efforts by the government to clarify the purpose and safety of the vaccines, opposition politicians have fueled the distrust, with some claiming that the campaign lacks transparency regarding vaccine details and implementation. Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe has promised that public engagement will be a priority to dispel myths surrounding the vaccination effort.
The Kenya Veterinary Association has raised concerns, calling for a public awareness campaign to rebuild trust in the vaccination program. Meanwhile, some dairy farmers remain defiant, insisting they will refuse vaccination for their livestock, fearing potential adverse effects and foreign influence.
As discussions unfold, the Kenyan government is faced with the challenge of restoring trust and ensuring that necessary health measures aimed at protecting the agricultural sector can proceed uninterrupted. With the looming vaccination campaign and recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, the urgency for effective communication and public cooperation cannot be overstated.
Farmers like Robert Nkukuu, from Nakuru County, have expressed that espousing pro-vaccination views can lead to severe social backlash. "If the community here learns you are pro-vaccination, they will slay you just now," he said, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding discussions about the vaccine. The government's ambitious goal aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep over the next three years, a move officials say is necessary to control diseases that threaten the livestock industry.
Although the vaccination initiative is costs farmers nothing due to government funding, misinformation has taken root, particularly claims that the program is backed by Bill Gates to control methane emissions from cattle. These claims have led to a swell of conspiracy theories online, dismissing the vaccination efforts and portraying them as a foreign agenda. Jonathan Mueke, a senior agriculture official, has confirmed that Gates has no involvement in the vaccination campaign.
Public sentiment among certain segments of the agricultural community remains skeptical, driven by high-profile personalities circulating misleading information on social media. In response, Ruto and other officials have attempted to counter these claims, asserting that the vaccines will not alter livestock genetics, a statement supported by experts in veterinary science.
Despite efforts by the government to clarify the purpose and safety of the vaccines, opposition politicians have fueled the distrust, with some claiming that the campaign lacks transparency regarding vaccine details and implementation. Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe has promised that public engagement will be a priority to dispel myths surrounding the vaccination effort.
The Kenya Veterinary Association has raised concerns, calling for a public awareness campaign to rebuild trust in the vaccination program. Meanwhile, some dairy farmers remain defiant, insisting they will refuse vaccination for their livestock, fearing potential adverse effects and foreign influence.
As discussions unfold, the Kenyan government is faced with the challenge of restoring trust and ensuring that necessary health measures aimed at protecting the agricultural sector can proceed uninterrupted. With the looming vaccination campaign and recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, the urgency for effective communication and public cooperation cannot be overstated.
