Turkana University, September 3, 2026
(Public Communication and Media Relations)
A three-day campaign to eradicate rabies and hydatidosis from Turkana County has ended with a call to establish a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at Turkana University College.
“The faculty will build local capacity as livestock health relies heavily on community animal health workers. A dedicated faculty will establish structural referral networks and produce fully qualified veterinarians to oversee, train, and legally supervise these paraprofessionals,” said Director of Veterinary Services Dr Allan Azegele.
He added that Turkana leads in livestock numbers and pastoralism is the main economic activity, but lacks adequate veterinary personnel. A faculty will train locals, who will tackle zoonotic diseases at source, justifying its establishment to serve the community.
Dr Azegele was speaking during a mentorship programme organized for final-year students by Kenya Women Veterinary Association (KWVA) at the university.
Turkana University College Principal Prof George Chemining’wa echoed the need, saying the faculty will be established as soon as the university gets its charter.
“Once we get the charter, we will start with certificate courses, later introduce diplomas and eventually develop a fully-pledged faculty,” stated Prof Chemining’wa.
He said introducing veterinary courses is one way of serving the pastoralist community diligently.
Prof informed other science programmes tailored for locals include, natural resources, agriculture, environmental science and renewable energy, agricultural economics, agricultural education and community health.
On mentorship, he said the programme sharpened students’ skills and built their confidence to operate outside the university.
Chemining’wa lauded the Director of Veterinary Services and the KWVA for mentoring final-year students to prepare for life after university.
KWVA chairperson Dr Anima Sirma affirmed the Turkana Rabies and Hydatidosis Control Project, initiated in 2022 and ending in 2026, has vaccinated more than 1000 animals against rabies, treated over 250 donkeys and sterilized 240 animals for the last five years.
“This was made possible through partnership between KWVA and the County Government of Turkana and Partners who supported veterinary service delivery. Collaboration with stakeholders under the One Health concept was also key,” said Dr Sirma.
She noted that KWVA has been mentoring learners in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, recording significant behaviour change.
