The ministry of Agriculture and livestock development has donated 11 000 doses of vaccines to Meru County to support the ongoing livestock vaccination program.
CS Mithika Linturi who presented the consignment to Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza noted that the doses will help in prevention of foot and mouth, and lumpy skin diseases that are threat in the country.
The CS was accompanied by Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (Kevevapi) officials, the producers of the vaccines.
Besides the vaccines, the ministry also provided five veterinary doctors, and two vehicles to support the exercise.
“The 11 000 doses will boost the prevention of the diseases affecting our livestock. We have brought 2,000 doses for foot and mouth, and the 9 000 doses of lumpy skin disease vaccines,” said CS Linturi.
One cow per poor household
He noted that the boost is a huge support to the county, calling for unity among Meru leaders in top positions in the government so as to benefit Meru residents.
“I appreciate the county’s plans to give cows to farmers. We want to increase milk productivity in the country. Meru County is among the top milk producing counties. Let our dairy farmers get all the support. We aim to change the breeds in the country, and Meru should lead in uptake of the sexed semen,” said Linturi.
He added ” It is our commitment that A.I services will be supported by providing sexed semen. It is our commitment that we will work closely to empower our farmers.”
Appreciating the donation, governor Kawira Mwangaza said that the county is facing many challenges owing to the insufficient funds.
“We recently started a vaccination program in the county and have tried within our little resources to reach out to our farmers. The donation from the national government will help us reach more residents,” said governor Kawira.
She appealed for continued support from the ministry to improve the agriculture sector.
Abogeta West MCA DMK Kiogora lauded the unity between the county and National government.
“The county assembly will support projects aimed at empowering the farmers. We will also support the development projects being initiated by the governor,” said the Abogeta west MCA.
