In a bold step to improve animal health and household food security, the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, Turkana County in partnership with ADS North Rift, expanded its livestock vaccination and treatment campaign to the remote pastoralist areas of Katilu and Lokichar.
Covering vast distances to reach communities in Napusinyen, Ikole, Kadongolo, Lowiyadapal, and Lomuriamuge, the five-day outreach vaccinated 17,780 sheep and goats and treated 331 goats and 97 camels. This effort, which exceeded last year’s numbers by 638 animals, targeted deadly livestock diseases including CCPP, pneumonia, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis, while implementing tick control measures.
With the active support of Community Animal Disease Reporters (CADRs) and local administrators, the campaign successfully mobilized and educated communities on best practices for livestock health.
ADS Field Officer Geoffrey Kibiwott highlighted the goal: “We aim to reduce livestock disease and mortality to secure food and livelihoods. Future efforts will include improving water access for animals, cutting down the distance pastoralists travel.”
Grateful community elders, including Lotukoi Loyomo and Marues Lemuya of Lomuriamuge, praised the outreach, noting visible improvements in their herds.
This initiative is a testament to what strong partnerships and community engagement can achieve, even in the most remote parts of Turkana South.
