By Christopher Omondi.
Livestock protection policies in Kisumu County are bolstered by several initiatives and institutions dedicated to research, livestock health, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. However, many livestock farmers, particularly in the rural areas of Nyando, have expressed serious concerns to the Kisumu County government regarding the efficacy of livestock protection laws in the realm of disease management, specifically around prevention, vaccination, capacity building, surveillance, and control.
The County Assembly of Kisumu has made recent strides to address livestock disease management through concrete policy frameworks and budget allocation. Notably, the Kisumu County Agricultural Facilities Financing (FIF) Bill 2023 was passed by the County Assembly in March 2024 to finance agricultural facilities, including livestock development. Yet, according to community member Paul Magambo, “the public has not yet benefited from this legislation due to a lack of proper roll-out of facilities to the beneficiaries.” He continued, “We are experiencing unfair means in improving service delivery.” Furthermore, the extensive budget of over KSHS 400 million recently approved for agriculture—including support for livestock development, fisheries, and irrigation for the financial year 2025/2026—has sparked significant debate among the public. Farmers feel the actual impacts of these policies are absent at the grassroots level because the County Government continues to turn a blind eye to issues of corruption and negligence.
While the County Assembly demonstrated good intentions in disease management efforts by supporting the investigation of an unknown disease affecting livestock in Nyamware village, the lack of clear outcomes from these investigations reflects a troubling disregard for accountability. Paul Magambo stated, “The residents of this village continue losing livestock to the disease,” highlighting the urgent need for our leaders to commit to the implementation of policies. He added, “We are facing challenges in accessing veterinary services due to logistical issues, as there are very few veterinary centers.”
To effectively implement livestock protection policies, the County Government of Kisumu must strengthen its approach by fostering partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Providing adequate training and resources to livestock farmers, along with enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems, is essential. These measures will help track progress, identify challenges, and facilitate timely adjustments in policy implementation. Crucially, public participation must be amplified to ensure that the masses are engaged and involved in the decision-making processes that directly impact their livelihoods.
