A model for good veterinary governance: overview of draft veterinary policy

Abstract

The new Kenya Constitution 2010 provides revolutionary frameworks in governance and also assures Kenyans of various basic rights. Among the values and principles elaborated are patriotism, human dignity, good governance, integrity, transparent, accountability and participation of the people. These values and principles would henceforth bind Kenyan when enacting and implementing public policy and law. The Constitution assures Kenyans of protection of human health and attainment of the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the access to adequate food of acceptable quality. It assures consumers of goods and services of reasonable quality and access to information necessary for them to gain full benefit for the necessary protection of their health, safety, and economic interests. It promotes social and economic development and the provision of proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya. It also protects genetic resources and biological diversity for the benefits of Kenyans and for posterity. The Constitution links Kenya with the rest of the world by upholding international treaties, agreements, conventions and the general rule of international law. The international trade policy including the framework of basic rights of countries to protect life and health of humans, animals and plants while leveling the ground for fairness has been upheld. This has opened the door for Kenya to adopt the best practices which have ingenuity and foundation in international standards. The Constitution caps it all by providing for enactment of Veterinary Policy which would institutionalize these values, principles, rights and best practices and create the path for Kenya to enjoy economic growth, industrialization and good quality of human life as envisaged in the Vision 2030. This Paper will elaborate, under Sub-Theme 1, the provisions of the Draft Veterinary Policy and facilitate interrogation and enrichment of the document by participants in the conference.