Livestock diseases continue to pose a significant threat to farmers’ livelihoods, food security and public health in Kenya. Diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and parasitic infections reduce productivity, limit market access, and in some cases spread from animals to humans, causing zoonotic outbreaks. Yet many small-scale livestock producers and pastoralist farmers lack access to affordable and reliable disease testing (diagnostic) tools needed to detect these diseases early, limiting their ability to respond effectively.
In response to this challenge, a high-level workshop on improving livestock disease detection has convened in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, veterinarians, researchers, development partners, private sector actors and farmer representatives. The meeting was focused on practical solutions to make disease detection more accessible, affordable, and effective for livestock keepers across Kenya.
“If we are to strengthen animal health systems, then we must pay close attention to one of the most important pillars of veterinary service delivery: diagnostic capacity. 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. I therefore wish to commend the ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s veterinary laboratory network, improve disease reporting systems, and expand the use of innovation and technology in animal health service delivery,” said Hon Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Livestock Development.
Dr. Allan Azegele, the Director of Veterinary Services, added: “Early and accurate disease detection is critical not only for protecting livestock productivity, but also for safeguarding human health and ensuring food security. By strengthening diagnostics, we can respond faster to outbreaks, reduce misuse of drugs, and guide targeted vaccination campaigns.
The workshop has been co-organized by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (TAHSSL) platform, operated by GALVmed, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and Clinglobal. Its timing is significant as Kenya steps up efforts to control livestock diseases and align with regional and global priorities, including the eradication of PPR by 2030 and the strengthening of One Health approaches that link animal and human health systems.
“We are committed to partnering with governments, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure that small-scale producers have access to the tools they need to manage animal diseases effectively,” said GALVmed’s Head of Research and Development Dr Karelle De Luca.
Discussions have focused on closing the gap between laboratory capacity and the realities faced by farmers, particularly in smallholder and pastoralist systems. Through plenary sessions and roundtable discussions, participants are identifying priority diagnostic needs, explored innovative delivery models, and co-developed a roadmap to make reliable disease testing a routine part of Kenya’s livestock health programs.
The workshop has also underscored the importance of partnerships. Stakeholders agree that stronger collaboration between government, research institutions, the private sector, and communities is essential to build an effective disease detection and surveillance system.
“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, the Program Coordinator for the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services (TAHSSL)
Hon. Mueke further noted: “The transformation we seek in the animal industry sector cannot be achieved by government alone. It will require strong partnerships, sustained investment, scientific innovation, and collective commitment. I therefore urge all stakeholders present today to continue supporting the animal health sector through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment.”
Following the workshop, a report and a roadmap outlining key actions, partnerships, and investment opportunities will be produced. By improving access to reliable disease testing, these efforts aim to keep animals healthy, strengthen farmer livelihoods, and better protect Kenya against future outbreaks that could affect both animals and humans.
In response to this challenge, a high-level workshop on improving livestock disease detection has convened in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, veterinarians, researchers, development partners, private sector actors and farmer representatives. The meeting was focused on practical solutions to make disease detection more accessible, affordable, and effective for livestock keepers across Kenya.
“If we are to strengthen animal health systems, then we must pay close attention to one of the most important pillars of veterinary service delivery: diagnostic capacity. 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. I therefore wish to commend the ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s veterinary laboratory network, improve disease reporting systems, and expand the use of innovation and technology in animal health service delivery,” said Hon Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Livestock Development.
Dr. Allan Azegele, the Director of Veterinary Services, added: “Early and accurate disease detection is critical not only for protecting livestock productivity, but also for safeguarding human health and ensuring food security. By strengthening diagnostics, we can respond faster to outbreaks, reduce misuse of drugs, and guide targeted vaccination campaigns.
The workshop has been co-organized by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (TAHSSL) platform, operated by GALVmed, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and Clinglobal. Its timing is significant as Kenya steps up efforts to control livestock diseases and align with regional and global priorities, including the eradication of PPR by 2030 and the strengthening of One Health approaches that link animal and human health systems.
“We are committed to partnering with governments, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure that small-scale producers have access to the tools they need to manage animal diseases effectively,” said GALVmed’s Head of Research and Development Dr Karelle De Luca.
Discussions have focused on closing the gap between laboratory capacity and the realities faced by farmers, particularly in smallholder and pastoralist systems. Through plenary sessions and roundtable discussions, participants are identifying priority diagnostic needs, explored innovative delivery models, and co-developed a roadmap to make reliable disease testing a routine part of Kenya’s livestock health programs.
The workshop has also underscored the importance of partnerships. Stakeholders agree that stronger collaboration between government, research institutions, the private sector, and communities is essential to build an effective disease detection and surveillance system.
“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, the Program Coordinator for the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services (TAHSSL)
Hon. Mueke further noted: “The transformation we seek in the animal industry sector cannot be achieved by government alone. It will require strong partnerships, sustained investment, scientific innovation, and collective commitment. I therefore urge all stakeholders present today to continue supporting the animal health sector through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment.”
Following the workshop, a report and a roadmap outlining key actions, partnerships, and investment opportunities will be produced. By improving access to reliable disease testing, these efforts aim to keep animals healthy, strengthen farmer livelihoods, and better protect Kenya against future outbreaks that could affect both animals and humans.