A team of 18 Christian veterinary professionals travelled with MAF to Kinna to offer free veterinary treatment to one of Kenya's most livestock-reliant communities.
Story by Hillim Gitonga
Organised by Veterinarians Mission Program (VMP), in partnership with Christian Veterinary Mission and local churches, the week-long mission to Kinna aimed to combat animal disease while sowing seeds of faith among the Borana and Ameru residents.
For many pastoralists here in Isiolo County, livestock is everything: a source of food, income, and identity. Yet, access to veterinary care is rare and unaffordable for most.
During the mission, over 3,200 animals were treated, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and even dogs. Common ailments such as abscesses, pneumonia, trypanosomiasis, and lameness were diagnosed and treated under the watchful coordination of the area’s veterinary officer and local leaders.
Dr Mandieka Josiah, one of the vet doctors from VMP, was grateful for community support and smooth flights.
We want to thank the community for coming out in large numbers, as well as MAF for transporting us to this area. We are treating animals by removing the worms, ticks and any diseases that are affecting their feet.
MAF’s flight from Nairobi to Isiolo cut a seven-hour road journey into just fifty-four minutes. The time saved meant that the team could spend more time treating animals and listening to the needs of the people.
Somo Dadable was one villager who brought his cattle for treatment.
“I’m grateful to the VMP team for coming to our community and helping treat my animals,” he said. “We used to receive support from other NGOs, but they stopped coming to our community.”
“We’re grateful to VMP for coming to Isiolo to support us,” said Ali Ruka, another villager. “We only have one veterinary doctor, yet the area is vast and most of us are herders. There simply aren’t enough vets here.
We’d really appreciate it if the VMP team could visit more regularly – even once every three months would make a big difference. One of our biggest challenges is foot-and-mouth disease, which continues to affect our cattle.
It wasn’t just animals that received attention.
In homes, under trees, and in dusty courtyards, missionaries shared the gospel, encouraged widows, played with children, and prayed with families. At the Methodist Church of Kenya in Kinna, fellowship was shared, and hearts were lifted. Three community members committed their lives to Christ.
Mohamed Ndambaso, who served as the mission’s veterinary service coordinator, noted the economic ripple effect this intervention would have.
“When animals are healthy, families can sell milk and meat. That means school fees, food, and better lives,” Mohamed said.
Amid the challenges, joy echoed through the bleating of sheep and the laughter of children. For the people of Kinna, this mission wasn’t just about medicine, it was a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved by people and by God.