Kenya Introduces Digital Voucher System to Combat Livestock Disease in Turkana County
Lodwar, 10 February 2026
Turkana County has launched an innovative electronic voucher system to modernise livestock vaccination campaigns against Peste des Petits Ruminants, a deadly disease affecting goats and sheep. The two-day training programme, completed on 10 February 2026, equips veterinary teams with digital tools for real-time data tracking and payment processing. This technological advancement in Kenya’s second-largest county promises to revolutionise veterinary service delivery in pastoral communities, where livestock represents the primary livelihood source. The system ensures vaccine quality maintenance and provides immediate payment to veterinary officers, addressing long-standing challenges in remote pastoral areas where traditional vaccination programmes often struggled with logistics and accountability.
Food System Resilience Project Drives Digital Innovation
The Food System Resilience Project (FSRP) organised the comprehensive training programme to enhance veterinary service delivery through digital platforms [1]. Dr. Benson Longor, Director of Veterinary Services, emphasised the critical nature of community engagement in the vaccination campaign, stating that officers must visit villages and kraals directly where livestock are located [1]. The training was facilitated by the National Project Coordinator Unit team, led by Dr. Geoffrey Gitau Mukora, who serves as the FSRP National Animal Health Desk Officer [1].
Real-Time Data Tracking and Payment System
The FSRP e-voucher system is specifically designed to facilitate service tracking whilst providing real-time data reporting, ensuring timely payments for veterinary services rendered [1]. Victor Lochee, the County Project Coordinator for FSRP, assured veterinary teams of necessary support throughout the vaccination campaign [1]. This digital approach addresses persistent challenges in remote pastoral regions where traditional payment systems often delayed compensation for veterinary officers, potentially undermining vaccination programme effectiveness [GPT].
Targeting Peste des Petits Ruminants Disease Prevention
Trained veterinarians and para-veterinarians will spearhead the PPR vaccination efforts, which are crucial for preventing outbreaks of this devastating livestock disease [1]. The officers bear responsibility for recording and reporting vaccination data through the e-voucher system, whilst ensuring the integrity of the cold chain and vaccine quality throughout the campaign [1]. Peste des Petits Ruminants poses a significant threat to small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, which form the backbone of pastoral livelihoods in Turkana County [GPT].
Strategic Impact on Kenya’s Second-Largest County
Turkana County, spanning 77,000 square kilometres as Kenya’s second-largest county, represents a critical testing ground for this digital veterinary innovation [1]. The county’s position as the north-western most region in Kenya, known for its scenic landscapes and rich pastoral culture, makes it an ideal location for piloting advanced livestock health technologies [1]. Key attendees at the training included Dr. Erenius Nakadio, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Josephine Emase, County Community Institutions Development Officer for FSRP, and Caroline Asekon, County Project Agricultural Extension Officer for FSRP [1]. The successful implementation of this e-voucher system in Turkana could serve as a model for scaling digital veterinary services across Kenya’s extensive pastoral regions, particularly benefiting both host communities and refugee populations who depend on livestock for their economic survival [GPT].