The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock has raised concerns over severe budget cuts facing the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC), warning that the reductions could undermine years of progress in controlling the tsetse fly and trypanosomiasis across the country.
The concerns emerged during a meeting between the Committee and KENTTEC officials, where lawmakers reviewed the agency’s mandate, achievements, and operational challenges.
Progress in Disease Control Under Threat
KENTTEC informed the Committee that since its establishment in 2012, it has led national efforts to suppress tsetse fly populations and reduce the spread of trypanosomiasis, a disease that affects both humans and livestock.
According to Doctor Onyango, approximately 138,000 square kilometres, representing 23 per cent of Kenya’s land mass, remain infested by tsetse flies. The affected regions span 38 counties, limiting livestock production and agricultural activities across nearly 60 per cent of the country’s rangelands and about 11,000 hectares of arable land.
The Council reported significant progress, with interventions reducing tsetse fly populations and disease prevalence across more than 24,000 square kilometres. Onyango also highlighted a major milestone achieved in June 2025 when the World Health Organization declared Kenya free of sleeping sickness after recording no human cases since 2009.
“Trypanosomiasis continues to pose a major public health and economic threat, particularly in rural communities where livelihoods depend heavily on livestock and agriculture,” he said.
Lawmakers Question Funding Decline
Despite the gains, KENTTEC warned that its operations are increasingly constrained by inadequate funding. The Committee heard that the Council’s budget has fallen from KSh 720 million in the 2012/2013 financial year to KSh 50 million in 2025/2026.
For the 2026/2027 financial year, the agency has been allocated only KSh 15 million against a funding requirement of KSh 200 million.
Kanduyi MP John Makali expressed concern over the trend, questioning why funding had declined despite the Council’s demonstrated impact. He also challenged the Board to explain efforts made to secure increased allocations through the relevant ministry.
Committee Chairperson Mutunga urged KENTTEC to explore partnerships with county governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to bridge funding gaps. He also called for greater public awareness of the Council’s work and requested a detailed cost analysis of its projects.
