Kenya has become
the first <a href="https://absafricatv.com/africa-cdc-urges-u-s-to-lift-uganda-ebola-travel-restrictions/” title=”Africa CDC urges U.S. to lift Uganda Ebola travel restrictions”>African country to secure hosting rights for the prestigious World
Veterinary Association (WVA) Congress, marking a major milestone that cements
the country’s growing influence in global animal health and veterinary science.
The 2028 congress
is expected to bring together more than 2,000 veterinarians, researchers,
policymakers and industry leaders from across the world, providing a boost to
Kenya’s tourism, hospitality and meetings industry while showcasing the
country’s advances in livestock health, food safety and disease control.
The successful bid
comes as Kenya gains international recognition for strengthening regulation of
veterinary medicines and promoting responsible antimicrobial use—key measures
in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world’s biggest
public health threats.
Kenya Veterinary
Association (KVA) Honorary Secretary Carol Khaemba described the achievement as
historic.
“We are the
first African country to win this bid and host the World Veterinary Association
Congress. This is a win not only for Kenya but for the entire African
continent,” she said.
The livestock
sector remains one of Kenya’s economic pillars, contributing about 12 per cent
of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and between 40 and 42 per cent of
agricultural GDP, according to the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI).
The country’s
growing reputation was further reinforced after veterinary surgeon Dr. Josiah
Mandieka received the World Veterinary Association Award for Veterinary
Medicines Stewardship in recognition of Kenya’s efforts to strengthen oversight
of veterinary pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Mandieka said
the award reflects the country’s progress in building robust systems to
regulate veterinary medicines from manufacturing and importation to
distribution and responsible use.
“This is a
very humbling experience for Kenya. It demonstrates that Kenya has the capacity
to manage veterinary medicines from manufacturing and importation to
distribution and responsible use,” he said.
Kenya established
the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in 2017 as its first dedicated
regulator of veterinary pharmaceuticals. The reforms have strengthened
oversight of veterinary drugs, improved food safety and enhanced confidence in
Kenyan livestock products in export markets.
Industry
stakeholders say hosting the global congress presents an opportunity to
showcase Kenya’s expertise in disease surveillance, food safety, climate-smart
livestock production and animal welfare while strengthening partnerships with
international researchers and investors.
Despite the
milestone, veterinarians say stronger enforcement of existing animal health
laws remains essential to safeguard public health.
Kenya Veterinary
Association Council Member Dr. Daniel Muasya said illegal slaughter, poor
animal welfare practices and unqualified individuals administering veterinary
medicines continue to threaten livestock production and consumer safety.
He called for
stricter enforcement of existing regulations to ensure only qualified
professionals handle veterinary medicines and animal healthcare.
