The Kiambu County Government has dismissed claims linking its piglet distribution programme to an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), saying the animals distributed to farmers are sourced from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 12, 2026, the county said ASF is a transboundary animal disease affecting pig populations across several African countries and remains a national animal health challenge.
The county government said its piglet distribution programme, spearheaded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, has maintained a strong record of animal health management while supporting farmers across Kiambu.
It said the programme is implemented in partnership with KALRO, a government-owned agricultural research institution based in Naivasha.
“All piglets distributed under the programme are sourced from KALRO, ensuring that beneficiaries receive quality breeding stock from a reputable national institution that adheres to established animal health and breeding standards,” the county said.
Kiambu said attempts to associate the programme with ASF were therefore false and misleading, arguing that such claims would effectively suggest that KALRO had been breeding and distributing infected piglets.
“Therefore, attempts to link the Kiambu County Government piglets programme to the outbreak of African Swine Flu is directly saying KALRO, which is a national government parastatal, has been breeding and distributing infected piglets, which is definitely untrue,” the statement said.
The county government said the programme has so far benefited more than 70,000 men and youth across Kiambu County. According to the county, the initiative has enabled households to venture into commercial pig farming, increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.
It said beneficiaries across the county had established pig farming enterprises, describing the programme as one of the most successful economic empowerment initiatives undertaken by the county government.
The county further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to politicise the issue and undermine a programme that it said had delivered economic benefits to thousands of families.
“Claims linking the programme to African Swine Fever are therefore false and misleading,” the county said.It added that the claims disregarded the sourcing measures in place and risked creating unnecessary alarm among residents and beneficiaries.
The county government maintained that the health status and source of piglets distributed under the programme were key safeguards against claims that the initiative was responsible for the spread of the disease.
“Unfortunately, some individuals appear determined to politicise the issue and undermine a programme that has delivered tangible economic benefits to thousands of families,” it said.
The county said such criticism would not erase the programme's achievements or its reported impact on livelihoods.
“The facts remain clear. Kiambu County sources its piglets from a credible and reputable national institution,” the statement concluded.
The county's response comes as African Swine Fever remains a significant concern for pig farmers, with the disease capable of causing severe losses to pig populations and livelihoods.