Kenya Veterinary Association hosts annual Veterinarian of the Year Awards

The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) held its annual Veterinarian of the Year Award (VOYA) ceremony on Sunday evening, a highlight of its end-of-year Dinner.

The event, hosted in Nairobi, brought together leading professionals in veterinary medicine to celebrate the achievements of the past year and recognize outstanding contributions to the field.

In his keynote address, the KVA Chairman reflected on the association's journey since its inception in 1966.

"For nearly six decades, KVA has been the voice of veterinarians in Kenya, advocating for better policies, advancing our profession, and protecting the welfare of both animals and humans," he remarked.

This year marked several milestones for the association under the Chairman's leadership, which began in April.

They include the recruitment of a dynamic CEO to streamline operations and enhance member services, engaging policymakers to align veterinary intern stipends with those of medical interns and advocating for salary parity for public sector veterinarians.

Others are initiatives like social and professional development clubs and partnerships for discounted services, as well as ongoing efforts to increase the employment of veterinarians at county levels, bolstering animal health services and livestock productivity.

Looking ahead, the Chairman outlined priorities including harmonizing intern stipends, equitable pay for veterinarians, tailored insurance packages, and strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2024 Veterinarian of the Year, whose exemplary dedication and innovation underscored the profession's impact on public health, food security, and economic growth.

The event concluded with a toast to resilience, progress, and the enduring importance of veterinary medicine in Kenya.