Vets with a Mission undertook the third independent mission to Kathonzweni, in the Ukambani area of Kenya.The needs were assessed and brought forth by Dr. Kisee and his colleagues from the area as most of the population use livestock as a major part of their livelihood.The area of Kenya is beautiful and is well adapted to goats and sheep as well as small statured cattle and donkeys as the land is semi-arid.

The disease that was a target of the campaign, was to vaccinate for Contagious Caprine Pleural Pneumonia (CCPP) and parasitism. Additionally we wanted to provide additional instructions on the common problems that they face with their animals.

With the help of Dr. Kisee the DVO in the district and AIC churches from around Kathonzweni area we undertook a four-day mission, with two days of veterinary outreach in the surrounding communities of Kyase and Munathi.

The outreach started in Nairobi as a common gathering point for the participants involved and those supporting the trip but unable to attend.The team arrived safely in Kathonzweni in the afternoon and met at AIC Kathonzweni which is also the campus for Kathonzweni children home. The children home is a church sponsored project with around thirty resident students and many off campus sponsored children all managed by one of our hosts Samuel Wambua.

The program was a great encouragement as we met with some of the students and discussed how the project was designed and ran.

Each team was comprised of one veterinary officer, one or two animal health technicians and one veterinary student. We started the work by gathering the farmers around and giving a gospel presentation to encourage them and present the reason why we had come. Each team followed the time with a vaccine and de-worming campaign for the sheep and goats and treated sick cows or animals in the area. Additionally we de-wormed the donkeys and addressed local issues such as the report of fowl pox and proper prevention and hygiene in such outbreaks.

The planning and coordination of the AIC church was excellent and we thank the Lord for the partnership that was formed to bring the practical love of Jesus to the people of Kyase and the surrounding sites.
Animals and Livestock owners impacted: