Turkana: The County Government has joined forces with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) to launch a two-week campaign aimed at eradicating the tsetse fly invasion along the Kenyan-Ugandan border. This initiative, led by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, is a response to the plight of residents in Turkana West and Loima Sub-Counties who have been significantly impacted by the tsetse fly.

According to Kenya News Agency, Livestock Development Chief Officer, the team is conducting screening and treatment of livestock in areas including Lokiriama, Urum, Oropoi, and Natiira. This action is in accordance with the Directorate’s mandate to control livestock diseases. Ekuwam highlighted the vital collaboration with KENTTEC, Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization, and the USAID NAWIRI organization in this tsetse fly control effort.

Expressing appreciation for the support from these organizations, Ekuwam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding partnerships with various animal stakeholders in disease surveillance and control. Dr. Benson Longor, County Director for Veterinary Services, specified that the campaign focuses on Trypanosomosis control in Turkana, particularly targeting Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana West, and Lokichoggio Sub-Counties.

Dr. Longor pointed out that these Sub-Counties were chosen due to their proximity to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley, a known breeding ground for the tsetse fly. He emphasized that pooling resources for this campaign is crucial for enhancing One Health initiatives, which promote community-based reporting and control of zoonotic diseases along international borders.