On January 28, 2026, the Nairobi City County Government, in collaboration with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), launched its most ambitious rabies vaccination campaign to date. This historic drive aims to vaccinate over 10,000 dogs and cats across the city to curb the spread of the fatal zoonotic disease.
The initiative, officially rolled out by Governor Sakaja Johnson and Green Nairobi CECM Maureen Njeri, focuses on preventive healthcare and making essential veterinary services accessible to all residents.
Protecting Nairobi: City Hall Rolls Out Massive Free Rabies Vaccination Drive
Rabies remains a significant public health threat in Kenya, claiming nearly 2,000 lives annually. In Nairobi, recent spikes in cases have prompted the county to shift from reactive treatments to proactive mass immunization. Starting January 31, 2026, the county will deploy veterinary teams to several hotspots to provide the life-saving jab free of charge.
“Rabies is 100% preventable, yet it continues to claim lives. This campaign is about protecting our people by stopping the disease at its source—our pets,” stated CECM Maureen Njeri.
The 2026 Vaccination Roadmap
The exercise is scheduled to run for two weeks, targeting five major sub-counties before expanding further.
Phase,Dates,Primary Sub-Counties
Kick-off,Jan 31 – Feb 5,Kasarani (Initial Launch Site)
Expansion,Feb 6 – Feb 10,Embakasi & Makadara
Final Push,Feb 11 – Feb 15,Dagoretti & Kamukunji
Where to Find Vaccination Points:
To ensure high turnout, the County Veterinary Department has designated easily accessible centers:
Local Markets and shopping centers.
Chief’s Camps and community social halls.
Public Schools and open community grounds.
Mobile Clinics coordinated by the KSPCA.
Why This Drive Matters Now
Legal Requirement: Under Kenyan law, annual rabies vaccination for pets is mandatory. Owners found with unvaccinated pets risk heavy fines or legal action.
Public Safety: Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. Vaccinating 70% of the dog population in an area is scientifically proven to eliminate the risk of human transmission.
Cost-Free Access: Outside this drive, a private rabies jab can cost upwards of Sh5,000 ($40). This free service removes the financial barrier low-income households.
