Swine fever outbreak leaves over 1,000 pigs dead in Kiambu

More than 20 farms in Juja, Thika and Ruiru have been affected by an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) since mid-May, with about 1,470 pigs reported sick and/or dead and some herds recording mortality of up to 100 per cent, according to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).

The Kiambu outbreak is the most significant reported anywhere in the country so far, and has exposed a major weakness in Kenya's disease surveillance system.

The government has stepped up measures to contain ASF outbreaks that have continued to hit pig farmers in several parts of the country, with authorities warning of heavy losses if the disease is not brought under control.

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The DVS has ordered county veterinary departments to strengthen disease surveillance, improve farm biosecurity, control movement of pigs and activate rapid response teams, following continued circulation of the disease through 2025 and the first half of 2026.

"Significant outbreaks beyond Kiambu have also been reported in Tharaka-Nithi, Busia, Embu, Kakamega, Siaya and Migori counties, resulting in high pig mortalities and substantial economic losses to farmers," the DVS said.

Data from the Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS) and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for January to June 2026 show the disease has been reported across several regions, with some outbreaks recording exceptionally high mortality. Tharaka-Nithi recorded 108 cases and 97 deaths between January 5 and 11, a case fatality rate of nearly 90 per cent, and one further case and one death during the April reporting period. Kakamega recorded one case during the January period and a further two cases with no deaths in April. Busia reported one case without a death between March 23 and 29. Embu recorded three cases and one death between May 18 and 24.

Director of Veterinary Services at the State Department for Livestock Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Allan Azegele, said in an exclusive interview that ASF is highly infectious and spreads rapidly among pigs, with mortality reaching as high as 70 per cent depending on the strain, age and susceptibility of the animals involved.