Zoonoses are naturally transmissible between humans and animals. Globally, they account for more than 60% of human infections, 75% of emerging infections, 2.7 million human deaths, and 10% of the total DALYs lost yearly in Africa. In the last three decades, Kenya has had sporadic outbreaks of zoonoses. To increase the speed of reporting and efficiencies in detection and control, a multi-sectoral collaboration in zoonotic disease surveillance (MZDS) between human and animal health workers is essential. In an effort, Zoonotic disease unit (ZDU) in Kenya has been established at national and county levels. A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the level of utilization of multisectoral collaboration and its associated determinants in zoonotic disease surveillance among animal and human healthcare workers in Nakuru County. Quantitative data was gathered from 102 participants and quantitative data from 5 key informants. To test for significant differences, Chi-square and independent t-test were used. MZDS utilization level was 16% and the factors associated with higher utilization include; knowing what MZDS entails, education level, sector affiliation, trainings, supportive infrastructure and data storage. Lack of financing and poor coordination are hindrances to MZDS. In conclusion, there is need to finance MZDS activities, strengthen coordination mechanisms, carry out more sensitization and trainings among animal and human healthcare.

Type and Period of Study

Analytical cross-sectional study design was used and the study covered the period between August 20, 2023 and October 15, 2023.

Setting of the Study

The study was conducted in Nakuru County, a third most popular county and located in Rift valley region of Kenya. It is bordered by; Baringo, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kajiado, Narok, Bomet and Kericho counties. Has an area of 7,496.5km² and a population of 1,603,325. It has physical features like; L. Naivasha a home of millions of flamingos, sanctuary to protect Rothschild giraffe and black rhinos, and Nakuru national park. The site is a hotspot for Anthrax, Brucellosis and Rabies and this formed the basis for purposive selection of the study area.

Inclusion Criteria: Human and Animal Healthcare workers who consented.

Exclusion Criteria: Healthcare workers that were not on duty over the period of the study.

Sampling: A census was conducted.

Data Collection and Tools

A semi-structured pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews to collect quantitative data from 102 participants who serve as frontline workers on zoonotic disease surveillance activities at the sub-county levels. Key informant interview guide was used to collect data on institutional factors (Funding, space, Priorities, Staffing, MZDS plans, political will) from county head of veterinary services, county head of public health, County director of medical services, Data analyst and county emergency and operations center officer. Audio tape recording was used to maintain and capture their exact words. The sessions lasted 45-60 minutes. Saturation marked the end of interview sessions.

Data Processing and Analysis

Quantitative data was entered to excel file, cleaned and exported to R 4.3.1 Software for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The descriptive statistics were presented on tables. Hearing about MZDS and the regularity of carrying out joint data collection, analysis, interpretation and sharing with other sectors formed the basis for inferential statistics. Chi-square and independent t-test were used to measure association at a p value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Qualitative data was analyzed manually using MS Excel spreadsheets. 

Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval and a research permit were attained from: the ethics review board for Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Ref: JKU/ISERC/023/0842, JKUAT Board of postgraduate studies, Ref: JKU/2/11/HSH315R-0088/2022, National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, Ref: NACOSTI/P/23/25534, and Nakuru county. Informed consent was acquired from the participants. Completed questionnaires were kept under lock and key and accessed by only authorized people. Soft copies and all analyzed data were passworded.