Echoke | July 18, 2026
(Public Communication and Media Relations)

Livestock keepers in Elelea, Turkana East. have welcomed the first vaccination and supportive treatment following the County Government’s partnership with GENCO Livestock and Fresh Meat Export Ltd.

The 10-day exercise targets 100,000 livestock in Elelea, Karoge and Lokapel.

Kamar Lojao, a beneficiary of the drive in Echoke village, expressed his satisfaction after his stock was vaccinated against Pestes des Petitis Ruminantes (PPR), a common disease within the locality.

A Community Disease Reporter (CDR), Ngitira Ekitela, who takes part in the exercise, said most common diseases in Elelea and its surroundings are PPR and tick-borne diseases.

In addition to PPR vaccination, Ekitela said, the government should also avail acaricide.

Speaking during the supervision visit, Dr Benson Longo’r, the Director of Veterinary Services, acknowledged the support from GENCO, saying it has enabled the Department to vaccinate many animals in the first few days.

“We have vaccinated and treated over 30,000 animals in Elelea and Lokapel in the last three days of the exercise. This is good progress! Once complete, we would have surpassed our 100,000 taget,” remarked Dr Longor.

The Veterinary Director further said the targeted vaccination and supportive treatment in Elelea and other areas is aimed at identifying disease free animals from the farm gates for markets that are both internal and external.

He noted that the entire value chain support in terms of disease control is a key factor for standardized market access.

Dr Long’or said the County Government has provided veterinary vaccines and dewormers, technical officers and equipment for the exercise.

This development comes just seven days after a consultative meeting between the Livestock Department officials and GENCO Livestock and Fresh Meat Export Ltd in Lodwar.

“We attribute the success of this vaccination event to the dedicated team in the field under Director Longor’s leadership. Thanks to the County Government! Out of the community mobilization and sensitization, teams have experienced pastoralists bring their livestock in numbers at water points for vaccination,” Dr Sibiah Ratemo of GENCO was speaking at Lokapel during the ongoing event.

During the exercise, Dr Ratemo praised the women’s role, pushing for more involvement for effective mobilization.