Faith Masita
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled a regional veterinary laboratory at Lewa Conservancy in Meru County, marking a major step in strengthening disease surveillance, research, and emergency response systems across Northern Kenya. The facility is expected to enhance wildlife conservation, livestock health, and the livelihoods of pastoralist communities that rely heavily on healthy herds.
Regional Facility to Boost Disease Surveillance
The Northern Kenya Veterinary Laboratory was launched by Erastus Kanga and is the result of a partnership involving Kenya Wildlife Service, Northern Rangelands Trust, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Kenya, and Lewa Conservancy. The facility will serve as a regional One Health platform linking wildlife, livestock, and community health systems.
The laboratory will provide disease diagnostics, surveillance, and rapid response services across Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, and neighbouring ecosystems. The region hosts significant wildlife populations, including black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and mountain bongos, while also supporting thousands of pastoralist households.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Kanga said the facility goes beyond routine diagnostics and will strengthen preparedness against emerging and transboundary animal diseases. He noted that the initiative is anchored in Northern Kenya’s unique ecological landscape, where wildlife conservation and pastoral livelihoods are closely interconnected.
Veterinary expert Stephen Chege said the laboratory will support scientific research and biobanking, generating data that will help guide wildlife conservation and livestock health interventions. Through collaboration with research institutions and conservation partners, the facility is expected to improve early disease detection and response capabilities across the region.
Officials said the laboratory will also create training and employment opportunities for upcoming veterinary professionals while strengthening ecosystem health and national resilience against emerging health threats.
