Sensitization on the Draft Veterinary Practice and Veterinary Medicines Bill, 2025

Sensitization of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Council on the Provisions of the Draft Veterinary Practice and Veterinary Medicines Bill, 2025

NAKURU, Kenya – 24th May, 2025 — The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, in collaboration with the Directorate of Livestock Policy Research and Regulations within the State Department for Livestock Development, and the Kenya Veterinary Board, on this day commenced a two-day sensitization workshop convened at Sarova Woodlands Hotel, Nakuru.

The purpose of the workshop is to apprise and sensitize the members of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Council on the substantive and procedural provisions contained in the Draft Veterinary Practice and Veterinary Medicines Bill, 2025. This exercise constitutes a critical preparatory step intended to ensure that the Council is duly informed and substantively aligned with the proposed legal framework, prior to its formal submission to the Cabinet Secretary for consideration and subsequent transmission for approval and formal legislative drafting.

The Draft Bill seeks to enact an Act of Parliament to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive statutory framework governing the veterinary sector in Kenya. Specifically, the Bill makes provision for the establishment of the Veterinary Council of Kenya; prescribes requirements and procedures for the training, registration, licensing, and regulation of veterinary surgeons, veterinary specialists, and veterinary paraprofessionals; and provides for standards and mechanisms governing their professional practice and employment.

Furthermore, the draft legislation empowers oversight and regulatory control over animal health training institutions through mechanisms for inspection, registration, and accreditation. It also proposes to regulate the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, prescription, and usage of veterinary medicines, including vaccines, biologicals, nutraceuticals, and veterinary medical devices, thereby establishing a coherent and enforceable regulatory regime aimed at safeguarding animal health and public interest.

The sensitization forum underscores the commitment of relevant institutions to a consultative, inclusive, and transparent legislative development process, in alignment with national policy priorities and international best practices.