An initiative to vaccinate livestock in Kenya, aimed at boosting disease control and export eligibility, has met fierce resistance from farmers influenced by conspiracy theories, rising distrust in the government, and calls for more transparency in the program.
Kenyan Farmers Resist Livestock Vaccination Amid Misinformation
Kenyan Farmers Resist Livestock Vaccination Amid Misinformation
The Kenyan government's plan to vaccinate millions of livestock faces backlash amid conspiracy theories and fears of foreign agendas, with farmers voicing strong opposition.
An ambitious initiative to vaccinate all livestock in Kenya is set to begin this week amid significant backlash from farmers driven by misconceptions about the vaccines. The government asserts that the vaccination will be free for farmers, yet the reaction has been tense since President William Ruto unveiled the plan last November.
Robert Nkukuu, a cattle keeper in Nakuru County, expressed the hostile atmosphere surrounding the issue, stating, "If the community here learns you are pro-vaccination they will slay you just now." The government's objective is to vaccinate at least 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep over the next three years, aiming to raise the vaccination rate from 10% to 85% to meet export standards for livestock products.
President Ruto, himself a farm owner, has emphasized the importance of the vaccines to control diseases affecting cattle, such as foot-and-mouth disease and the peste des petits ruminants (PPR). However, opposition has arisen from notions that the initiative is funded by foreign entities, with rumors circulating that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is behind it. These claims have proliferated through social media platforms, stoking fears and mistrust.
Kenya, home to one of Africa's largest dairy sectors, grapples with greenhouse gas emissions linked to livestock. Methane from belching and farting livestock contributes to about 15% of global emissions. While Ruto dismissed these concerns as "nonsense," the spread of conspiracy theories has largely stemmed from poor communication from his administration and a lack of trust due to previous corruption scandals.
Opposition figures have fanned the flames of distrust, with claims suggesting the vaccines could alter livestock's genetic composition. Kalonzo Musyoka, an opposition leader, labeled the campaign a "sinister foreign agenda," igniting further skepticism among farmers.
Despite reassurances from agricultural officials that the vaccines will not cause harm, misinformation persists. The Kenya Veterinary Association has called for the vaccination campaign to be paused until a comprehensive public awareness effort is made. However, the government maintains that immediate action is necessary due to recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease affecting livestock markets.
Amid the outcry, the government has pledged to address misinformation and engage with all stakeholders. Despite these assurances, many farmers remain skeptical, with some refusing to vaccinate their animals out of fear of ulterior motives. The situation reflects a pressing need for greater transparency and effective communication from the government to regain public confidence and ensure the success of the vaccination program.
