Govt, vets launch e-voucher livestock plan to boost output

Govt, vets launch e-voucher livestock plan to boost output
(160721) -- NAIROBI, July 21, 2016(Xinhua) -- Farmers show their dairy cattle during a competition of the 2016 Livestock Breeders Show in Nairobi, Kenya, July 21, 2016. The three-day 2016 Livestock Breeders Show kicked off in Kenya's capital city of Nairobi on Thursday, showcasing various contents within the Livestock industry of Kenya. More than 100 exhibitors participated in this livestock show.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 – The government and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) have launched a digital e-voucher livestock vaccination and breeding programme to raise the sector’s share of Kenya’s GDP from 12 to 20 percent.

The initiative targets 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

Farmers will pay Sh50 per animal, with the government covering Sh110 through a subsidy.

“This programme is a game-changer for Kenya’s livestock industry. It leverages digital tools to make animal health services more transparent, accessible, and affordable,” said Kelvin Osore, KVA Chair.

Vaccinations have started in 11 counties and will reach all 47 counties by the end of November.

The project will employ over 11,000 vets and para-professionals and includes breeding support using sexed semen and muzzle recognition to replace costly ear tagging.