Kenya’s ambitious livestock vaccination programme, aimed at inoculating 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, has met stiff opposition. Despite being free for farmers, the government initiative has ignited mistrust, fuelled by misinformation and conspiracy theories.
President William Ruto announced the three-year campaign to combat diseases such as foot-and-mouth and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), crucial for boosting Kenya’s livestock exports. Currently, only 10% of the national herd is vaccinated, far below the 85% target required to meet international standards. However, many farmers, sceptical of government motives, have vowed resistance.
Misinformation has created a hostile environment. Some farmers believe the programme is linked to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, spurred by videos of him discussing methane emissions from livestock. Methane, produced by cattle, contributes 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to UN estimates.
Opposition politicians have amplified these concerns. Kalonzo Musyoka, a leading critic, labelledthe campaign “reckless” and a foreign agenda. Claims that the vaccines could genetically alter livestock have circulated widely, despite scientific assurances to the contrary.
Professor Ermias Kebreab of the University of California dismissed such fears, explaining the vaccines are standard disease preventatives with no genetic impact. Nevertheless, misinformation has thrived, particularly on social media, where hashtagslike “my fart, my choice” mock the initiative.
Critics point to the government’s poor communication as a key reason for the backlash. When Ruto launched the campaign last year, few details were provided, allowing rumours to flourish. Alphonce Shiundu, editor at AfricaCheck, attributes the controversy to a “trust deficiency,” worsened by Kenya’s recent tax hikes and corruption scandals.
Veterinary groups have urged the government to prioritise public awareness. Dr Kelvin Osore, chairperson of the Kenya Veterinary Association, called for a pause to address misinformation. “The politicisation of this exercise distracts from its goal of disease control,” he said.
Despite the opposition, officials argue the programme cannot wait. A severe foot-and-mouth outbreak in western Kenya has already led to livestock market closures and quarantines. Agriculture Ministry Director Dr Allan Azegeleemphasised the need for proactive measures: “It’s more expensive to respond to outbreaks than prevent them.”
Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe has reassured farmers that the campaign is voluntary and vaccines are locally produced. However, fears persist. In Nakuru County, herder Robert Nkukuu warned that supporting vaccination could provoke violence. Other farmers, like David Tiriki in Kajiado County, suspect hidden motives, fearing a scheme to introduce a virus for profit.
Some farmers see potential benefits but demand greater transparency. Ngemu Musau, a small-scale farmer in Makueni County, supports the initiative but urged the government to provide clear assurances about vaccine safety.
Analysts agree that restoring public trust is essential. Without effective communication, the campaign risks failure, jeopardising Kenya’s livestock industry and its contribution to the economy. As the government pushes forward, it faces the twin challenges of combating misinformation and bridging the trust gap with sceptical farmers.
