Dr. Kenneth Kennedy Shoombe has been appointed as Namibia’s new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), a role that positions him as the country’s official Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). In this capacity, he will represent Namibia’s veterinary and livestock interests on the global stage.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, who expressed confidence in Shoombe’s extensive expertise and leadership in the veterinary field.
Shoombe began his career in the Public Service in 2005 and has since risen through the ranks of the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Over the years, he has held multiple supervisory positions and most recently served as Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, overseeing animal disease control and spearheading key national programs to strengthen animal health and livestock trade.
Beyond national duties, Shoombe has also contributed to regional cooperation by chairing the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) Sub-Working Group on Animal Health, fostering cross-border collaboration in disease prevention and control.
His new appointment is seen as a strategic step to bolster Namibia’s veterinary governance, animal health systems, and international engagement in the livestock sector.
