Tsetse, Trypanosomiasis eradication to boost livestock industry

KENTTEC CEO Pamela olet (left) and Chairman David Wanyonyi. 

Kenya: The Government through the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) is seeking for partnerships with the African Development Bank and the World Bank to eradicate the menace.

KENTTEC chairman David Wanyonyi said in an interview that the plans were at an advanced stage to rope in the partners in a bid to boost the tourism industry that has been hard hit by tsetse fly infestations.

He said areas such as Lambwe Valley and Mwea had in the past been hit by the menace but this has been addressed through the support of the Government.

"The Government has been very supportive of these initiatives and its active involvement in aiding partnerships with organisations such as ICIPE has led to the success story in Mwea and Lambwe," Wanyonyi said.

Wanyonyi said tsetse fly and trypanasomiasis eradication will trigger the opening of the European market for farmers and boost the livestock industry.

"There is some Sh20 billion out there that will be derived from the eradication of this menace through meet exports and tourism,” Wanyonyi said.

Acting CEO Pamela Olet said both President Kenyatta and DP William Ruto have been at the forefront in supporting eradication of diseases that threaten the livestock sector.

“The President visited our stand at the Mombasa ASK show and pledged full support to KENTTEC initiatives. We are very grateful for the support,” Olet said.