By Ouma Collins O.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, on Monday presided over the opening of the 37th General Conference of the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) in Nairobi.
Themed “Harnessing One Health Technologies and Innovations Towards Eliminating Trypanosomiasis in Africa”, the conference brings together African leaders, researchers, and international partners to address the threat of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis.
CS Kagwe reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to combating the disease, which he said continues to undermine livestock health, farm productivity, and rural livelihoods.
“Tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis cost Kenyans approximately 147 million dollars annually through loss of jobs, livestock, and even wild animals in our game parks,” he noted.
He emphasized that protecting farmers requires investing in innovations, adopting One Health approaches, and strengthening regional and global partnerships.
He commended the African Union–Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for championing animal health across the continent, and Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KeNTECC) for driving local and regional eradication strategies.
The CS was joined by Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih, and KeNTECC Chairman Geoffrey Mutai, alongside other dignitaries and stakeholders from across Africa.
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