Kenya builds roadmap for improved livestock disease detection as outbreaks and costs rise

KENYA – Livestock diseases continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods, food security and public health across Kenya, prompting a high‑level workshop on improving disease detection that brought together government officials, veterinarians, researchers, private sector actors and livestock producer representatives.

The workshop, co‑hosted by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services for Low‑ and Middle‑Income Countries (TAHSSL) platform, focused on closing the gap between laboratory capacity and the realities faced by farmers, particularly in smallholder and pastoral systems. 

Stakeholders identified priority diagnostic needs, examined innovative delivery models and co‑developed a draft roadmap to embed reliable disease testing into national livestock health programmes.

Speakers emphasised that diagnostics are the backbone of effective surveillance.

 “Diagnostics are the eyes of the surveillance system. By aligning efforts from county‑level disease reporters to national laboratories, we can build a system that controls disease, supports trade and safeguards public health,” said Musa Mulongo, Programme Coordinator for TAHSSL.

Participants agreed that stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, the private sector and communities is essential to build an effective disease detection and response system. 

Enhancing reporting networks, investing in rapid diagnostic tools at the farm level and improving laboratory infrastructure were identified as key priorities for future investment.

Diseases such as Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and parasitic infections persist in many parts of the country, reducing productivity, limiting market access and occasionally spilling over into human populations. 

Many small‑scale livestock producers and pastoralist farmers lack access to affordable, reliable disease testing tools needed to detect these diseases early, limiting their ability to respond effectively and increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks.

Representing the Prime Minister before the Senate on April 1, State Department for Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said Kenya must strengthen its animal health systems by investing in diagnostic capacity, a cornerstone of veterinary service delivery. 

“Strong veterinary diagnostics are central to early disease detection, outbreak response, surveillance, food safety and trade assurance. Without timely and reliable diagnostics, our ability to prevent and control disease is significantly weakened,” he said. 

Mueke commended ongoing efforts to expand the national laboratory network, improve disease reporting systems and adopt innovative technologies in animal health service delivery.

Director of Veterinary Services Dr Allan Azegele underscored the importance of early and accurate disease detection not only for protecting livestock productivity but also for safeguarding human health and food security. 

“By strengthening diagnostics, we can respond faster to outbreaks, reduce misuse of drugs and guide targeted vaccination campaigns,” Dr Azegele said during the Nairobi workshop.

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