The County Government of Embu is set to launch an E-Voucher Animal Vaccination Program on October 16, 2025, in a landmark effort to enhance livestock health, increase productivity, and strengthen the local agribusiness economy.
The initiative, rolled out in partnership with the National Government and private sector stakeholders, is expected to transform livestock management across the county.
It aims to improve disease control, increase traceability, and open doors to international markets through better compliance with global standards.
Governor Cecily Mutitu Mbarire, speaking after meeting Dr. Moses Banda, Financial Advisor in the Executive Office of the President, underscored the strategic importance of the program.
“This initiative is a game-changer for our livestock sector. It will not only boost animal health and production but also strengthen traceability systems, unlocking access to international markets,” said Mbarire.
The program will be implemented through local ward cooperatives to ensure efficient, inclusive, and community-driven service delivery.
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By adopting an e-voucher system, the county aims to digitize vaccine access and reach more farmers—particularly smallholders—across rural areas.
Dr. Banda, who is in Embu to support the program’s rollout, commended the county’s leadership, stating that such intergovernmental and private sector partnerships are key to revolutionizing Kenya’s agricultural sector.
On Wednesday, June 4, President William Ruto revealed that the government would introduce the e-vaccination system in animal vaccination in a move they say would bring positive reforms in the critical sector.
Ruto announced after a meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG), noting that the e-vaccination would lead to the government tracking vaccinated livestock and record-keeping for livestock owners.
“We will also enhance animal traceability by registering livestock farmers and introducing the e-voucher system for animal vaccination,” Ruto added.
The move, as per Ruto, drew inspiration from the e-voucher fertiliser subsidy programme, which is currently being implemented.
In the e-voucher fertiliser system, farmers register for the programme and receive e-vouchers, which they can then use to purchase subsidised fertiliser at designated locations, such as National Cereals Processing Board depots or agro-vet stores.
To receive the e-voucher, farmers first need to register through the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management System (KIAMS). Registered farmers then receive e-vouchers via SMS or other digital means.
Critically, the system provides a central database that ensures each farmer is allocated the correct amount of fertiliser, something the government is seemingly hoping to replicate in the animal vaccination.
In the animal vaccination exercise, the government targets to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.
Even though the exercise received a lot of backlash, Ruto argued the move would be critical in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease as well as PPR disease.
The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) rejected the move and highlighted four risks warranting the postponement of the mass vaccination exercise.
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