By Issa Hussein - Reporter
June 13, 2026 - The Kenya Veterinary Board has uncovered several cases of illegal veterinary practices in Isiolo County following a compliance and enforcement operation conducted in Garbatulla, Merti and Oldonyiro sub-counties.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, was aimed at safeguarding animal and public health through enforcement of veterinary regulations.
According to a statement from the Board, inspection teams found a number of veterinary premises operating without licensed professionals and identified cases where veterinary medicines were being dispensed in open markets in violation of the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Para-Professionals (VSVP) Act, 2011.
“During the operation, our inspections teams identified several cases of illegal practices, including premises operating without licensed professionals and medicines being dispensed in markets contrary to VSVP Act 2011,” the Board said.
The inspections also extended to Oldonyiro and Modogashe, where the Board received surveillance information on individuals and distributors allegedly involved in the open-market trade of veterinary medicines.
“In Oldonyiro and Modogashe, we were able to get surveillance information of distributors and persons facilitating the trade of veterinary medicines in the open market,” the Board stated.
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The Board emphasized that licensed institutions involved in veterinary practice and the sale of medicines have a responsibility to ensure full compliance with the law.
The enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to protect livestock health, food safety and public health, particularly in pastoralist regions where livestock plays a critical role in livelihoods.
“The Board is committed to protecting animal and human health by ensuring that veterinary practice is undertaken by qualified professionals,” the statement added.
The Board urged livestock keepers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report illegal veterinary activities. It also advised animal owners to verify the compliance status of veterinary practitioners and premises before seeking services.
The operation underscores the government's broader One Health approach, which recognizes the close link between animal health, human health and environmental well-being.