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The Kenyan government has clarified its stance on the highly anticipated livestock vaccination program set to begin in January 2025. 

Addressing growing criticism, Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke emphasized that the vaccination campaign, targeting 20 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, will be voluntary.

Speaking during a televised interview on December 16, Mueke assured farmers that no one would be forced to vaccinate their livestock. 

“Vaccination is not mandatory; it is voluntary. Why would we play politics with the livelihood of our people? 

We want farmers to see this as a tool for protecting their livelihoods, not as a threat,” Mueke stated.

The campaign has faced backlash from various quarters, with critics, including presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame, raising concerns about the program's motives. 

Kigame claimed that the initiative serves the financial interests of private players, including American billionaire Bill Gates, who has been linked to climate-related projects globally. 

He argued that Gates’ involvement in agriculture and animal vaccination is questionable, given controversies associated with his projects in other countries.

Despite the criticism, the government remains optimistic about the benefits of the initiative. 

Highlighting the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who own 85% of Kenya's livestock, Mueke stressed the program’s potential to prevent devastating losses caused by disease outbreaks. 

He urged farmers to consider the long-term economic gains that come with healthy livestock.

The cost of the vaccines is another sticking point for many farmers. 

Mueke revealed that a single dose will cost KSh 150, which many believe is unaffordable for struggling farmers. 

However, he assured the public that the government is actively working on subsidy plans to make the program more accessible.

The voluntary vaccination strategy reflects lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Initially, there was resistance to the human vaccine, but attitudes shifted as the health crisis worsened. 

Mueke believes the same approach can work for livestock vaccination, with public awareness campaigns playing a crucial role.

“Why keep people poor by letting preventable diseases wipe out their animals?” Mueke asked. “This is about empowering farmers to secure their livelihoods.”