(Nakuru) – Nakuru County officials have launched a comprehensive vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease while promoting modern dairy farming practices to boost livestock productivity and farmer earnings.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Leonard Bor, alongside veterinary officers, visited dairy farmers in Dundori Ward, Bahati Sub-County, to supervise the routine vaccination drive. The campaign targets protecting livestock from foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious illness with devastating effects on cattle populations.
Farmers raised concerns about the vaccination program, some citing misinformation and mistrust, particularly regarding its association with international organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Addressing these fears, Bor emphasized the need for accurate information and transparent communication to demonstrate the tangible benefits of vaccination for animal health and farmer productivity.
| Key Dairy Farming Statistics in Nakuru County | Figures |
|---|---|
| Current Milk Production | 13.9 billion KES (annual value) |
| Cattle Population | 466,800 |
| Target Milk Production (Future) | 16 billion KES (annual value) |
| Projected Annual Milk Output | 318 million liters |
During the visit, Bor encouraged farmers to join cooperatives, highlighting their benefits in fostering collective bargaining power and providing access to shared resources. Cooperatives, he explained, help farmers negotiate better milk prices and explore joint ventures, thereby strengthening their market presence.
The county is also focusing on modernizing agricultural practices. By extending training and support services to farmers, the government aims to enhance milk yields and ensure long-term sustainability. Modern techniques, combined with cooperative models, are expected to improve production efficiency and farmer incomes.
Bor outlined the county’s ambitious goal of increasing milk output to 318 million liters annually, which would generate over 16 billion shillings in revenue. This marks a significant leap from the current revenue of 13.9 billion shillings.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing farmers’ concerns, supporting cooperative growth, and providing technical expertise to empower the dairy sector. These efforts, Bor said, are designed to transform Nakuru County’s dairy farming into a more profitable and sustainable industry.