For three years, Peter Gitonga Kimani built his future one pig at a time. From five sows bought with Sh150,000, he grew a herd of 156 pigs in Kona Mbaya, Ruai, on the border of Nairobi and Kiambu,it all ended in 72 hours.
Kimani got a call from his worker one pig had died. When he rushed to his 100 by 100 foot farm an hour later, more were already weak and feverish.
By the third day, 152 pigs were dead, a loss he values at Sh2.9 million.
“I am back to square one,” he said, now appealing for government help.Kimani is not alone.
The government confirmed on Saturday that African Swine Fever (ASF) has killed more than 1,470 pigs in Kiambu since mid May across over 20 farms in Juja, Thika and Ruiru.
Six other counties Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Busia and Migori have also reported outbreaks.There is no vaccine or cure.
Veterinary officers are urging farmers to enforce strict biosecurity, avoid feeding raw swill, and report sudden deaths immediately.
