Kenya Tsetse & Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC)

The Kenya Tsetse & Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) is a government agency established in 2012 to coordinate nationwide efforts to control tsetse flies and eradicate trypanosomiasis, a vector-borne disease that threatens livestock and rural livelihoods. KENTTEC succeeds the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) and works to safeguard the gains made in past eradication initiatives.

KENTTEC implements integrated tsetse control programs, including trapping, aerial spraying, and the sterile insect technique, to reduce disease-carrying fly populations. These interventions improve livestock health, boost productivity, and enhance income for farmers in affected regions. The Council also promotes sustainable land use practices in tsetse-free areas, encouraging agriculture and entrepreneurship activities to maximize the socio-economic benefits of eradication.

Research and knowledge management are central to KENTTEC’s operations. The Council collaborates with universities, international partners, and national institutions such as KALRO, ICIPE, KWS, and ILRI to develop innovative strategies, update tsetse maps, and strengthen disease surveillance. Evidence-based insights guide planning, implementation, and monitoring of eradication campaigns across counties.

Capacity building and awareness creation form another key pillar. KENTTEC trains farmers, veterinary officers, and community leaders in disease prevention, early detection, and sustainable livestock management. Technical guidance on integrated pest management ensures interventions are effective, safe, and environmentally sound.

By combining research, policy coordination, technical expertise, and community engagement, KENTTEC safeguards livestock, strengthens rural livelihoods, and enhances agricultural productivity in Kenya’s tsetse-affected areas.