Nairobi is biting back. Following the tragic death of a man in Ruai from a rabid dog bite, the County Government has launched the largest mass animal vaccination campaign in the city's history. The target is ambitious but critical: 10,000 dogs, cats, and donkeys must be vaccinated within two weeks to avert a public health crisis.

The campaign, which kicked off on January 31, 2026, is a "search and jab" mission. County veterinary teams are fanning out across Kasarani, Embakasi, and other hotspots, setting up mobile stations in markets and chiefs' camps. In just the first three days, over 2,400 animals have already been inoculated, signaling a massive turnout from alarmed pet owners.

A Deadly Wake-Up Call

The urgency of this drive stems from the death of Peter Washira, a 42-year-old Ruai resident who succumbed to rabies after being bitten by a stray dog. His death exposed the dangerous population of unvaccinated animals roaming the capital's estates. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention the only cure.

"This campaign is about protecting our people by stopping the disease at its source," stated Maureen Njeri, the CECM for Green Nairobi. "Responsible pet ownership is not optional; it is a civic duty."

• The Strategy: The drive runs until February 15. Apart from vaccinations, the county is impounding stray dogs and treating sick animals on-site.
• The Numbers: On Monday alone, over 1,000 animals were vaccinated at Muhuru Muchiri Stadium. The data collected will finally give City Hall a census of the city's pet population, which has largely been a mystery.

The Stray Menace

While the vaccination drive is a commendable fire-fighting measure, it highlights the deeper issue of Nairobi's exploding stray dog population. Without a sustained sterilization and control program, vaccination alone is a bandage on a festering wound.

For now, the queues of residents clutching their cats and dogs at community centers offer a glimmer of hope. Nairobians are taking heed, determined that no more lives should be lost to a bite from man's best friend.