North Rift Counties Push for Stronger National Veterinary Policy

Stakeholders from six counties in the North Rift met in Uasin Gishu this week to influence the draft National Veterinary Policy 2026 and to call for a more coordinated veterinary service system.

Representatives of Uasin Gishu, Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties joined officials from the national government for a regional forum held in Eldoret, where discussions centred on animal health, disease prevention, public-health safety and market access for livestock producers.

Nickson Cheplong, Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Economic Planning, spoke on behalf of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Dr Sam Kotut and urged seamless cooperation between county and national levels, stating, “Effective coordination, sustained investment in veterinary services and harmonised policies are essential if we are to address the persistent challenges facing our livestock farmers and unlock the full economic potential of this sector.”

Dr Philip Biama, County Director of Veterinary Services, outlined the policy’s main goal and noted that the framework, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development through the State Department for Livestock Development, aims to regulate and raise the standard of veterinary services across the country, adding, “This policy provides a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening animal health and welfare, enhancing disease prevention and control, and promoting food safety.”

He listed priority actions such as coordinated vaccination drives, stricter control of animal movements, reinforced meat inspection, improved management of Foot and Mouth Disease, higher animal-welfare standards, livestock insurance schemes and measures to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Senior Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr Sebensia Wekesa reminded participants that public participation is required by the constitution and said stakeholders repeatedly request clearer guidance on disease surveillance, funding, veterinary infrastructure and food-safety measures.

For farmers in the North Rift, livestock remains a key source of household income and regional economic activity, making robust disease-surveillance and rapid response systems crucial to limiting outbreak losses, raising productivity and ensuring that milk, meat and other animal products meet both domestic and export standards.

The proposed policy also seeks to enhance the quality and safety of animal products, open new market opportunities and support sustainable food security through a better-resourced and coordinated veterinary system.

The Eldoret engagement allowed the six counties to feed their local experiences and suggestions directly into the national policy process, and participants agreed to deepen cooperation on service delivery, recognising that animal diseases and market barriers cross county borders.

Organisers highlighted that intergovernmental collaboration is essential for building a veterinary service framework that reflects local realities, protects public health and enables livestock farmers to realise the full potential of their herds.

Kenyan Tribune writes for the Kenyan Tribune.