KVB warns against fake veterinary doctors
The Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) has stepped up efforts to curb illegal veterinary practice in the country following surprise inspections of veterinary medicine shops in Kilifi County. The inspections, conducted in Malindi on Thursday, August 27, 2026, were aimed at checking whether veterinary practitioners and businesses were complying with the law and regulations governing the […]
The Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) is intensifying its campaign to curb illegal veterinary practice in Kenya after conducting surprise inspections in Kilifi County. The inspections, held in Malindi on Thursday, August 27, 2026, aimed to assess adherence to laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine sales and animal health services. KVB inspector Sirima Oketch cautioned veterinary practitioners against violating the law and encouraged business owners to engage only licensed professionals.
The KVB is worried about the presence of unqualified individuals, often called quacks, who provide veterinary services without proper training or licensing. Such practices can lead to incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate treatment, and misuse of veterinary medicines, endangering both animal and human health. Oketch reported commendable compliance levels but emphasized the need for further efforts to eliminate illegal practitioners.
The inspector urged practitioners to collaborate in self-regulation, enabling them to identify and eliminate non-qualified practitioners. He also advised veterinary pharmacy owners to employ licensed professionals with valid KVB licenses. Veterinary practitioners welcomed the surprise inspections, stating that unannounced visits make it harder for rule-breakers to conceal their activities.
Veterinary doctor Agnes Akinyi noted a significant reduction in the number of quacks, but admitted that some still operate. She urged the KVB to continue with impromptu inspections, as announced visits could give non-compliant operators time to close or leave before inspections. For livestock farmers and animal owners, the crackdown serves as a reminder to verify the qualifications of anyone providing veterinary services or selling medicines.
Using unqualified practitioners can compromise animal health and lead to financial losses for farmers due to inappropriate treatment. The KVB's inspections aim to protect both animal owners and the integrity of the veterinary profession by ensuring only qualified professionals provide veterinary services.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
