Swine fever kills 1,470 pigs in Kiambu as outbreak spreads to 6 counties

More than 1,470 pigs have succumbed to African Swine Fever (ASF) in Kiambu County since mid-May 2026, as the disease spreads to six counties, according to the Department of Veterinary Services. The outbreak has prompted authorities to intensify surveillance and tighten measures to curb its spread. Tharaka Nithi, Busia, Embu, Kakamega, Homa Bay, and Migori have reported significant ASF cases, raising concerns about livestock movement and the financial losses faced by pig farmers.

The situation in Tharaka Nithi is particularly dire, with 108 cases and 97 deaths reported in early January 2026. In response, the government has fortified disease surveillance and restricted livestock movement, particularly at Kenya's international borders. Kiambu County's piglet distribution program has come under scrutiny, with allegations that the supplied animals may have contributed to the ASF outbreak.

However, the county maintains that all piglets are sourced from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and meet established animal health and breeding standards. Farmers who have lost substantial numbers of pigs express grave concern over the impact on their livelihoods. With ASF now confirmed in multiple counties, authorities are prioritizing control of animal movement to prevent further transmission.

Kenya is also adhering to the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance, which aims to regulate the seasonal movement of pastoralists and livestock across borders while reinforcing disease prevention and control measures. The government emphasizes that intensified surveillance, prompt reporting of suspected cases, and stricter livestock movement controls will be essential in containing the outbreak.

For Kiambu's pig farmers, the mounting fatalities have already resulted in significant financial setbacks, with the sector awaiting more robust interventions to prevent further spread and safeguard remaining herds.