Turkana County Launches Ambitious Campaign to Eliminate Rabies
Kakuma, 1 September 2026
Launched on 1 September 2026, Turkana’s ambitious multi-agency campaign aims to achieve zero rabies cases, leveraging a strategic regional laboratory to safeguard communities across East Africa.
A Collaborative ‘One Health’ Approach to Disease Eradication
The ambitious campaign, which officially commenced on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, represents a major step forward in Turkana County’s public health strategy [1][2]. Spearheaded by the County Government in collaboration with more than ten local and international partners, the initiative aims to achieve zero cases of rabies and hydatidosis across the region [1][2]. Peter Ikaru, the Chief Officer for Livestock Development, Fisheries and Aquaculture, emphasised that this multi-agency effort leverages the ‘One Health’ approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health to combat zoonotic threats effectively [1][2]. This coordinated push aligns directly with Kenya’s national strategic plan to completely eliminate human rabies by the year 2030 [1][2].
How to Access Free Veterinary Services and Campaign Deadlines
For local pet owners and residents, accessing these essential services is straightforward and entirely free of charge [GPT]. On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, designated veterinary stations are fully operational with dedicated areas set up for registration, vaccination, deworming, surgical procedures, and post-operative recovery [1][2]. To qualify for the free services, residents simply need to bring their domestic dogs and cats to the designated clinics, where veterinary officers will also collect faecal samples for laboratory testing to monitor wider animal health [1][2]. In addition to vaccinations, the veterinary teams are offering surgical spaying and neutering services on 1 September 2026 to help manage the local pet population [1][2].
A Three-Day Community and Welfare Itinerary
The campaign is highly structured, moving through different locations and focus areas over a three-day period to maximise community outreach. On the opening day, 1 September 2026, the veterinary teams are also visiting Kapua to conduct specialised welfare activities for working donkeys [1][2]. Following the veterinary interventions, the campaign shifts its focus to community education and youth empowerment. On Wednesday, 2 September 2026, coordinators will hold an ‘Adopt-a-Child’ mentorship session at Napetet Girls Primary School [1][2]. The entire campaign will culminate on Thursday, 3 September 2026, with a final student mentorship session and a community celebration during the official project close-out ceremony at Turkana University College [1][2].
Strengthening Regional Veterinary Infrastructure and Trade
Beyond immediate local treatments, the campaign coincides with high-level strategic inspections aimed at boosting the region’s veterinary and economic infrastructure. The National Director of Veterinary Services is visiting Turkana to evaluate the County Veterinary Laboratory for compliance [1][2]. This laboratory is strategically positioned to serve not only the North Rift region of Kenya but also cross-border communities in South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia [1][2]. Furthermore, national officials are assessing the Naurenpuu tannery to determine its viability for boosting the local hides and skins value chain [1][2]. Securing these assets is vital for Turkana, which is Kenya’s second-largest county, spanning an expansive 77,000 square kilometres [1].