The nationwide livestock vaccination programme against diseases planned for January next year will go on as planned despite propaganda and fake news peddled by some leaders, President William Ruto has said.
Speaking during the annual Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County on Tuesday, December 17, President Ruto said the livestock vaccination programme is all of disease control and that those opposed to it will not stop its implementation.
He said the government will proceed, noting that farmers deserve quality animals whose products are in demand globally.
“We are determined to carry out the vaccination programme for our livestock in an effort to increase prices for our livestock products and meet international market standards,” he said.
He explained that failure to vaccinate livestock has become an impediment to local meat products accessing markets in the region and abroad due to disease prevalence.
The President pointed out that local vaccines produced in Kenya will be used to boost animal health and meat export potential, saying those opposed should also give their alternatives.
“We are using vaccines produced locally by Kenyan scientists with knowledge in this field,” he said.
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The President told leaders opposed to development to spare livestock and agriculture farmers of their theatrics and explore other avenues to play opposition politics.
“Leaders who have no understanding of the livestock sector and agriculture should spare us their ignorance. You can’t use disinformation and fake news to deny Kenyans international markets by discouraging vaccination of their animals,” Ruto said.
He went on: “If it’s not dangerous to vaccinate humans, how can it be dangerous to vaccinate animals? Please give us a break.”
Meanwhile, the President commended leaders, security officers and residents along the Kerio Valley for working together to ensure peace in the region.
He said insecurity challenges in the recent past ocassioned by banditry and cattle rustling had retarded the development of education and agriculture, among other sectors, in the region.
“The power of unity, power of agreement and the power of working together has changed the destiny of our people in this region. Perennial problems can also be solved through the power of unity, ” President Ruto pointed out.
In this connection, the President Ruto called on Kenyans to put aside their political differences and work together for prosperity.
“As Kenyans, we should embrace one another and work together for the sake of peace and prosperity,” he said.
He also commended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was present, for his tireless efforts in implementing government policies in the search for peace when he was Interior Cabinet Secretary.
President Ruto told the residents of Baringo that KSh50 million will be used to establish a livestock training centre in the county.
Similarly, the President said a special economic zone that will use green energy will be set up in the area, adding that plans are underway to start a university in the county.
He urged all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority, saying the insurance scheme will transform the health sector.
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Prof Kindiki urged Kenyans to ignore the propaganda being peddled by some individuals about the impending nationwide livestock vaccination and support the exercise.
“Let’s ignore the propaganda about the vaccination and support the exercise for healthy animals whose quality products meet standards for the international market,” he said.
He pointed out that teamwork among leaders, security personnel and residents had led to peace being enjoyed along the Kerio Valley.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa cited clueless leadership as the greatest challenge facing Kenya. He said the impending nationwide livestock vaccination will greatly boost livestock business.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot wondered why individuals who have no knowledge of livestock keeping were opposed to the vaccination programme.
“It beats logic that someone who has no knowledge of livestock is opposed to the vaccination programme. It’s unbelievable,” he said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and his Isiolo counterpart Abdi Guyo said they will lead their people in vaccinating their livestock.
“No one should lecture us on why we are vaccinating our livestock because this is an exercise we have been doing regularly. Even the goats we are selling today have been vaccinated,” said Governor Cheboi.
Cabinet Secretariesh Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) and Andrew Karanja (Agriculture), several MPs and MCAs, among other top government officials, were also present.
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