The free movement of livestock from counties neighbouring Kiambu is likely to create conflicts, a veterinary officer has said.
Ruiru sub-county veterinary officer Dr Tabitha Gatheca said there are rules and regulations that ought to be followed while transporting animals from one county to another.
“Most herders who migrated to Kiambu County did not follow the laid procedures. This issue can cause hostility and conflict between the residents and herders,” she said.
Gatheca added that those animals are mostly transported from Narok and Kajiado counties due to the existing hostile weather conditions. She explained that Kiambu residents were not against them looking for water and pasture but the herders should do it in the right way.
“The regulations set by the constitution are not difficult to meet. All that is required is a transportation permit which is easily accessible.
“Following procedures will help identify the people who are in the county, especially with the newly introduced Nyumba Kumi initiative for security purposes and also vaccination of livestock,” she added.
She cited an incident at Juja farm in Thika where the herders refused to let her vaccinate their livestock. The officer said animals must be vaccinated to avoid spread of livestock diseases.
Gatheca called for the county government to enact laws restricting movement and transportation of livestock without proper documentation. She said that this will help the residents vaccinate their livestock whenever the herders come.
She added that the laws should control grazing within the county since the herders tended to overgraze in some areas.
Kiambu County assembly has already passed a motion to control livestock movement in the county.