TURKANA – Chief Officer for Livestock Development, Fisheries and Aquaculture in Turkana, Peter Ikaru, has said the county is stepping up efforts to control rabies and hydatidosis through a new vaccination campaign targeting zero rabies cases.
Starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the initiative brings together the county government and key partners to combat these diseases under the One Health approach. Ikaru commended past efforts by stakeholders like the Kenya Women Veterinary Association (KWVA), which saw 185 pets vaccinated in August 2025, emphasizing that joint collaboration is key to achieving their eradication goals.
County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Benson Long’or, highlighted that over 10 local and international partners are supporting the exercise in line with Kenya’s strategy to eliminate human rabies by 2030. In addition to mass vaccinations, the itinerary includes pet spaying and neutering, donkey welfare activities in Kapua, and mentorship programs at Napetet Girls Primary School and Turkana University College, where the project will close on September 3. Deputy Director Dr. Erenius Nakadio confirmed that fully equipped stations for registration, surgery, recovery, and sample collection are already operational.
The campaign also coincides with an official inspection by the National Director of Veterinary Services. The National Director will evaluate the strategically located County Veterinary Laboratory to ensure compliance for serving the North Rift region and neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Additionally, the visit will assess the Naurenpuu tannery to gauge its potential for boosting the local hides and skins value chain.
