In brief
As Kenya prepares to launch a nationwide livestock vaccination initiative aimed at combating diseases like foot-and-mouth and increasing export eligibility, opposition from farmers is mounting. Misleading claims, particularly linking the program to Bill Gates, have fueled distrust, complicating the government's efforts to ensure animal health and boost the dairy sector.
An extensive vaccination campaign aimed at Kenya's livestock is set to commence this week, but it is facing significant backlash from farmers who are reacting to a wave of misinformation surrounding the initiative. Despite the government's assurance that vaccine costs will be covered entirely, many farmers are expressing deep-seated concerns and outright resistance.Robert Nkukuu, a cattle farmer from the Mai Mahiu region in Nakuru County, articulated the prevailing sentiment. “If the community here learns you are pro-vaccination, they will slay you just now. So stop talking about it, we don't want it,” he told BBC News. The ambitious government initiative intends to vaccinate over 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep within a span of three years. This is critical as only 10% of the national livestock is currently vaccinated, and officials aim to elevate this figure to 85% to enhance export capabilities.President William Ruto, who owns multiple farms himself, insists that the vaccination is essential for managing infectious diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), commonly known as sheep and goat plague. However, widespread suspicion persists, with many farmers falsely associating the program with funding from Bill Gates.This conspiracy theory has gained traction through social media, sometimes featuring high-profile individuals. Caleb Karuga, a powerful farmer and former journalist, publicly stated he would resist vaccination efforts, asserting, “No-one will vaccinate my livestock just because Bill Gates said so.” Opposition voice Ledama Olekina claimed that vaccinations for livestock are unnecessary, pointing out that cattle in Europe and America are not treated in similar ways. Although Jonathan Mueke, a senior official in the agriculture ministry, denied any involvement from Gates or international donors, the rumor mill continues to churn.Experts involved in livestock research counter these fears. Professor Ermias Kebreab from the University of California confirmed that there is currently no existing livestock vaccine meant to reduce methane emissions from cattle, as some have speculated. He asserts there is no evidence that vaccinations alter the genetic structure of animals or that they could introduce deformities.Opposition leaders have seized on public fears, asserting that the vaccinations could lead to genetic corruption and calling the initiative a foreign ploy. Kalonzo Musyoka, an opposition figure, denounced the program as reckless and shrouded in mystery.President Ruto has characterized the opposition as "misguided" and "stupid," questioning, “All of us who have been vaccinated, has anyone stopped farting?” Critics argue, however, that misinformation flourishes due to the government’s own failure to effectively communicate the plan, alongside low public trust stemming from past scandals and tax protests.Kenya Veterinary Association has requested a pause on the vaccination initiative to allow for a public awareness campaign. However, Dr. Allan Azegele from the agriculture ministry insisted that the vaccination effort must proceed urgently in light of recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease affecting local markets.Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe pledged that the vaccines will be voluntary and announced plans to engage various stakeholders to clarify misconceptions. Nevertheless, many farmers, like David Tiriki, remain unconvinced, citing fears of possible foreign influence or harmful substances being introduced into the livestock population.Conversely, some farmers do show support for the initiative, calling for more transparency in the process. Ngemu Musau, a farmer from Makueni County, agreed with the need for thorough public education regarding the vaccines and their safety.As the government navigates this complex landscape of skepticism and misinformation, the successful rollout of the vaccination initiative may hinge on its ability to restore trust and clarify its objectives among the farming community.
