Surge of Stray Dogs Sparks Public Health Fears in Kithimani Town

Residents of Kithimani town, a rural trading centre in Yatta Constituency, Machakos County shaped by roadside commerce and transport activity along the busy Garissa Road corridor linking Thika, Machakos Town, and eastern Kenya, are expressing growing alarm over what they describe as an increasing presence of sick and unrestrained dogs roaming through residential and trading centres, raising fears over possible disease spread and public health risks.

Locals say the dogs are frequently seen moving through open spaces within the town without apparent owners, with visible signs of illness such as skin conditions and a strong odour, prompting fears that the situation may pose a threat to both other animals and human health in the area.

Sources who reached out to this news outlet have revealed that the lack of control over stray animals has allowed the situation to persist, with calls directed at veterinary and public health offices to assess the extent of the problem and determine whether intervention measures such as vaccination, treatment, or removal of stray animals may be required.

Beyond animal health, residents have also raised unease over security within Kithimani and nearby Matuu town, pointing to idle youth around trading centres and supermarkets, with reports of petty theft affecting traders and shoppers in some areas.

Local residents are directing criticism at area chiefs, sub-chiefs, and county officials, saying enforcement and coordination on public safety and animal control have remained weak.

Community members are urging coordinated action between county authorities, security agencies, and health departments to address the situation and restore order in the affected areas.

"Hello Cyprian. There are so many sick dogs in Kithimani town and its surroundings off Garissa Road, Thika. They must be spreading disease. There are no owners; they are all over town. You can see from the skin and smell that the animals are extremely sick. They are spreading diseases to other animals. The health authorities should check on it. Also, I have noted that here, under 18s getting children is a non-issue. Boys and girls are just loitering around. They are a security concern. In Matuu town, you find them loitering near supermarkets and stealing from people. The area chiefs and sub-chiefs are sleeping. The county leaders are sleeping. In Kithimani, there are offices to cater for all the issues that need to be addressed. They should wake up. From health to education heads and security sector leaders, action is needed. They are either ignorant or something else. Kindly highlight this so that steps may be taken."