Kenya becomes first African nation to secure World Veterinary Association Congress

KENYA – Kenya has become the first African country to win the bid to host the World Veterinary Association (WVA) Congress, with the 2028 event expected to attract more than 2,000 veterinarians, researchers, policymakers and animal health industry leaders from around the world.

The successful bid marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s veterinary and livestock sectors, highlighting the country’s growing role in global animal health, disease control and veterinary medicine regulation.

Officials said the congress will provide a platform to showcase Kenya’s progress in livestock health, food safety, disease surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use while strengthening international collaboration in veterinary science.

“We are the first African country to win this bid and host the World Veterinary Association Congress. This is a win not only for Kenya but for the entire African continent,” officials said following the announcement.

The event is also expected to generate economic benefits through increased tourism, hospitality and conference-related business while positioning Kenya as a regional hub for veterinary and livestock innovation.

The announcement comes as Kenya receives growing international recognition for strengthening regulation of veterinary medicines and promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.

The country’s efforts were recently recognised after veterinary surgeon Dr Josiah Mandieka received the World Veterinary Association Award for Veterinary Medicines Stewardship for advancing oversight of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

“This is a very humbling experience for Kenya. It demonstrates that Kenya has the capacity to manage veterinary medicines from manufacturing and importation to distribution and responsible use,” said Dr Mandieka.

Kenya established the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in 2017 as the country’s first dedicated regulator of veterinary pharmaceuticals. 

The reforms have strengthened oversight of veterinary medicines, improved food safety and increased confidence in Kenyan livestock products in export markets.

Livestock sector drives economic growth

The congress comes as livestock continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s economy. 

According to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the sector contributes about 12% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and 40-42% of agricultural GDP, supporting millions of livelihoods.

Industry stakeholders say hosting the global event will create opportunities to promote Kenya’s advances in disease surveillance, climate-smart livestock production, animal welfare and food safety while attracting investment and research partnerships.

However, veterinary professionals say continued enforcement of animal health regulations remains critical.

Kenya Veterinary Association Council Member Dr. Daniel Muasya called for stronger enforcement against illegal slaughter practices, poor animal welfare standards and the sale and administration of veterinary medicines by unqualified individuals.

He said stricter implementation of existing regulations is essential to protect livestock productivity, safeguard public health and maintain confidence in Kenya’s livestock and animal-source food value chains.

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