Tsavo Trust

Project Title

Rabies Vaccination Campaign and Community Awareness Initiative in the Tsavo–Makueni Wildlife Interface

Project Location

12 Villages Adjacent to Tsavo National Park (Makueni County): Ngiluni, Kamunyu, Kyusyani, Mavindini, Nthunguni, Muani, Nguumo, Mutauni, Mbeetwani, Iviani, Utandini and Kaloleni.

Project Duration

Start Date: 2025
End Date: 2026

Project Key Activities

Conducting mass vaccination of dogs, cats, and donkeys against rabies. Public awareness creation on rabies transmission, prevention, and responsible dog ownership. Community sensitization on zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife-livestock-human interactions. Collaboration with Painted Wolf Foundation and Makueni County Government in campaign planning and execution. Publicity using posters, schools, churches, and social media for community mobilization. Coordinated surveillance and reporting of suspected rabies cases. Engaging veterinary officers and community mobilizers in vaccination and education activities. Strengthening One Health collaboration across Health, Veterinary, and Wildlife sectors.

Project Key Outputs

594 animals vaccinated in 12 villages (513 dogs, 27 cats, 54 donkeys). 305 households reached during the vaccination exercise. Rabies vaccination improved by 205.5% compared to the previous year. Community awareness strengthened through multi-channel publicity. Successful collaboration among Tsavo Trust, Painted Wolf Foundation and County Government. Increased reporting of animal bites and suspected rabies cases. Enhanced One Health coordination in the Tsavo landscape.

Project Achievements

Improved access to rabies vaccination for households in high-risk zones along the Tsavo ecosystem. Strengthened public knowledge on rabies, zoonotic diseases, and responsible dog ownership. Increased protection for both domestic animals and humans through preventive vaccination. Strengthened collaboration between communities, Tsavo Trust, wildlife agencies, and County Government. Reduced vulnerability at the human–livestock–wildlife interface. Enhanced preparedness through surveillance and awareness campaigns. Promoted safer coexistence between wildlife and communities.

Project Progress

• Ongoing

Project Impact Summary (Key Performance Indicators)

Indicator	Achievement
Farmers Reached:	305 households, 594 Animals
Youth/Women/VMGs Engaged:	1,800 beneficiaries reached indirectly through public awareness, majority youth and women.
Employment Created:	12 direct (vaccinators, mobilizers, field coordinators) 30 indirect (community mobilizers, local leaders, educators)
Value Chains Supported:	Rabies control and mass vaccination Public health awareness Dog population management Zoonotic disease prevention Wildlife–human–livestock coexistence Community engagement and behavior change communication
Productivity/Income Change:	Reduced risk of rabies transmission due to vaccination in 12 high-risk villages. Improved health protection for communities living adjacent to Tsavo National Park. Reduced human exposure to rabies through better dog management and awareness.