The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has called for accelerated preparations for anticipated El Niño conditions, warning that the weather could increase livestock diseases, deaths and injuries, damage livestock infrastructure and disrupt value chains.
KVA President Dr Kelvin Osore said climate agencies have forecast a high probability of El Niño conditions developing and persisting through the remainder of 2026 into early 2027, posing significant risks to Kenya's livestock sector and the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists and livestock farmers.
“The anticipated weather conditions pose significant risks to Kenya's livestock sector, including increased incidence of vector-borne and climate-sensitive diseases, livestock injuries and mortalities, damage to livestock infrastructure, disruption of livestock value chains, and threats to the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists and livestock farmers,” Osore said.
The association said Kenya's experience during the 2023–2024 El Niño demonstrated the potential impact of extreme weather on livestock-dependent households.
The event resulted in widespread flooding, displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, livestock losses, contamination of water sources and outbreaks of water-borne diseases in several parts of the country.
“For livestock-dependent households, these impacts translated into reduced incomes, food insecurity and prolonged recovery,” KVA said.
The association said the experience demonstrated that early action was critical in reducing the impact of disasters.
“These experiences remind us that preparedness is considerably less costly than emergency response after disasters have already occurred,” it said.
KVA welcomed ongoing preparedness initiatives by the Directorate of Veterinary Services following a recent consultative meeting between the two institutions.
The measures include enhanced surveillance for vector-borne and climate-sensitive livestock diseases, monitoring and control of vectors and parasites, strengthening laboratory diagnostic and veterinary response capacity, and pre-positioning vaccines and emergency veterinary supplies.
The Directorate is also preparing for strategic livestock vaccination against priority diseases, including Rift Valley Fever and other climate-sensitive diseases.
Other measures include strategic feed and fodder preparedness, rehabilitation of water points and livestock safety measures, as well as development of public risk communication strategies through information, education and communication materials and community engagement.
KVA, however, said the implementation of the measures should be accelerated as the country prepares for the anticipated weather conditions.
The association called for “adequate and timely financing of preparedness activities” and urged authorities to launch emergency pre-emptive livestock vaccination campaigns.
It also called for measures to protect water infrastructure and prevent disease outbreaks.
KVA further urged the government to activate emergency destocking programmes by September 2026 and deploy mobile veterinary units to high-risk pastoral areas.
The association called for rapid mobilisation of national and county resources and stronger coordination between national and county governments and development partners.
It also urged authorities to expand surveillance, vaccination and emergency veterinary response capacity in high-risk counties.
“Strategic pre-positioning of vaccines, veterinary medicines, laboratory supplies, feed and fodder reserves before the onset of heavy rains” should also be undertaken, KVA said.
The association further called for protection of critical livestock infrastructure and water sources and continued development of contingency plans for livestock movement, emergency response and recovery.
KVA and the Directorate of Veterinary Services have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in public risk communication and farmer awareness, technical advocacy on the anticipated impacts of El Niño on the livestock sector, joint resource mobilisation and development of a comprehensive costed preparedness and response proposal.
KVA said it would use its nationwide network of veterinary professionals to support government efforts to educate livestock keepers, strengthen disease surveillance and promote timely reporting of outbreaks.
The association also urged livestock farmers to begin preparations immediately.
“Consult veterinary professionals regarding recommended vaccination programmes,” KVA advised livestock owners.
It also urged farmers to strengthen vector and parasite control measures, protect feed and water supplies and identify safe areas for livestock where flooding may occur.
Farmers were further advised to report unusual animal illnesses or deaths immediately to veterinary authorities.
“Follow official advisories issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and County Veterinary Departments,” the association said.
KVA said the anticipated El Niño conditions presented a significant challenge but also an opportunity for the country to demonstrate the value of early preparedness, coordinated action and strong partnerships.
The association said timely implementation of preparedness measures could substantially reduce the impact of the anticipated El Niño season on the livestock sector while helping protect animal health and the livelihoods of livestock producers.
