KSPCA Brings Services Closer to Locals Amid Outbreak of Rabies
Tania Harris KSCPA Watamu Chairperson. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) has stepped up its rabies control efforts following a rise in the number of stray dogs in Watamu, Kilifi County.
KSPCA has officially opened a new branch in Watamu. A move the organization says will bolster local efforts to combat rabies in collaboration with the county government.
Earlier this year, KSPCA Watamu hosted several medical camps, including a rabies vaccination drive held in mid-August, where over 500 dogs were vaccinated.
Watamu’s population has seen steady growth in recent years which has led to an increase in the number of stray and abandoned animals.
This surge has underscored the urgent need for dedicated local resources to address animal welfare and public health concerns.
Emma Ngugi, executive officer of KSPCA Nairobi, emphasized the importance of controlling the stray and domestic animal population to promote a healthier, disease-free environment.
“The launch of our Watamu branch exemplifies our commitment to enhancing animal welfare on a national level. We believe that every community deserves access to resources that protect and care for its animals,” she said.
One of the most urgent challenges facing the new branch is the alarming incidence of rabies in the region.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), rabies continues to be a serious public health issue in Kenya, contributing to human deaths annually.
While vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, many pets in Watamu lack access to routine vaccinations.
KSPCA Watamu plans to hold additional medical camps in 2026, which will include spray and neuter programs to control the growing animal population, alongside ongoing rabies vaccination campaigns.
“We plan to hold regular medical camps not only for pets and animals owned by people in need but also for stray animals,” said Tania Harris, chairperson of KSPCA Watamu.
The Watamu branch now joins a national network of branches in Naivasha, Nanyuki, Mombasa, and the organization’s headquarters in Nairobi.
“A community that prioritises animal welfare is more likely to attract tourism and improve its overall image. Our efforts not only benefit animals, but also contribute to economic growth for local businesses and the wider community,” she added.
The KSPCA is a registered nonprofit organization committed to preventing cruelty, promoting responsible animal guardianship, and providing for animals in distress through rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy.
