Kenya advances animal and public health with disease testing roadmap

Kenya is advancing efforts to strengthen livestock disease detection through the development of a strategic roadmap outlining key actions, partnerships, and investment opportunities. This initiative aims to improve access to reliable diagnostic services, enhance early detection systems, and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks such as Foot-and-mouth disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and parasitic infections, which can impact both animal and human health. These measures are expected to support healthier livestock populations and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Following a high-level workshop on improving livestock disease detection convened in Nairobi, which brought together government officials, veterinarians, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, and farmer representatives, a detailed report and roadmap will be developed. This roadmap will outline priority actions, partnerships, and investment opportunities to expand access to reliable disease testing, strengthen early detection systems, and enhance national response capacity.

The Kenyan veterinary authority continues to play a central role in safeguarding animal health, promoting livestock productivity, and protecting public health. Its mandate includes disease prevention, surveillance, and response, with a particular focus on managing zoonotic diseases and strengthening the national veterinary system.