Kenya has bolstered its public health preparedness by unveiling two vital tools the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Contingency Plan and Human Brucellosis Testing Guidelines. The initiative marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance disease surveillance, promote timely response, and safeguard both human and animal health.
The launch, led by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, reaffirms the government’s commitment to combating zoonotic diseases that frequently impact pastoralist and high-risk communities. Historically, outbreaks of RVF and brucellosis have disrupted livelihoods and strained healthcare systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
PS Muthoni highlighted the central role of accurate diagnostics and coordination in preventing such health crises.
“Standardising diagnostic protocols, improving laboratory accuracy, and building county-level surveillance and response capacity will be key to reducing misdiagnosis and preventing avoidable epidemics,” she said during the unveiling ceremony.
The new guidelines aim to equip healthcare workers, veterinarians, and public health teams with tools to detect and contain infections rapidly. By streamlining laboratory procedures and harmonising reporting systems, the government hopes to cut down on detection delays that can worsen disease spread.
The initiative adopts a One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It fosters closer collaboration between ministries, research bodies, and international partners.
PS Muthoni acknowledged the support of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the University of Liverpool, and other stakeholders whose joint efforts have been instrumental in developing the tools.
“Multisectoral action remains central to safeguarding public health, livestock, and the economy,” she noted.
With these new tools, Kenya is strengthening its frontline capacity to detect, respond to, and manage zoonotic disease threats more effectively ultimately enhancing resilience against future outbreaks.
