Maurice Karani is a Kenyan veterinary epidemiologist and PhD researcher at the University of Liverpool. His PhD work focuses on understanding the dynamics of dog populations in East Africa as a means to control rabies. He is currently affiliated with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where he also supports antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance across multiple countries under the Fleming Fund.
From a concern to a calling: A journey into disease epidemiology
Growing up on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, surrounded by livestock, wildlife, and the rhythms of rural life, I developed a deep respect for the relationship between people, animals, and the environment. From an early age, I became aware of the impact diseases could have, not just academically, but personally. As a child, I suffered a severe bout of cerebral malaria. This experience left a lasting impression on me and planted the earliest seeds of curiosity about how illnesses emerge, spread, and are managed.
Animals were ever-present in our community, herded across landscapes, sharing space with people, woven into our culture, economy, and everyday survival. But they were also part of a more troubling narrative: stories of sudden illness, unexplained deaths, long hospital journeys, and fear that rippled through households. These experiences shaped my understanding that health is rarely just about biology; it is shaped by access, behaviour, environment, and knowledge systems.
During my training as a veterinarian, I became increasingly drawn to the “why?” behind disease, why some communities are more affected than others, why certain outbreaks persist, and what we can do differently. That journey led me to the field of veterinary epidemiology, where I now explore the intersections of animal and human health, using data to improve prevention and response strategies in resource-limited settings
Studying dog demography: From field to framework
My PhD research, titled ‘Evaluating Domestic Dog Population Dynamics, Movements, and Vaccination Economics in Machakos County, Kenya,’ aimed to generate evidence that could inform rabies control strategies. I focused on two core questions: how owned dogs live and move across settlements, and vaccination costs.
The study covered two regions in Machakos County: one peri-urban and densely populated, the other rural and sparsely populated. Through household surveys, photographic sight-resight methods, and GPS tracking of free-roaming dogs, I uncovered significant variations in dog ownership, accessibility, and movement patterns. In low-density settings, dogs travelled farther and had larger home ranges, while in high-density areas, dog-to-dog contact was high due to a lack of confinement. Most free-roaming dogs are owned, challenging the common assumption that many are strays and highlighting the importance of responsible ownership.
I further examined the economics of delivering mass dog vaccination — a critical but underexplored aspect of rabies control. Drawing on data from a four-year countywide vaccination campaign that vaccinated over 136,000 dogs, I conducted a cost analysis that revealed an average cost per vaccinated dog of KES 311 (USD 2.41). Key cost drivers were coordination, personnel, and vaccine logistics — not the vaccine itself.
I modelled scenarios for scaling up to the 70% coverage required to break rabies transmission. Results showed that campaign design, particularly team throughput and campaign duration, had far greater impact on overall cost than vaccine donations.
Through this work, I’ve come to see that dog demography, movement ecology, and campaign economics must be studied together to design realistic, scalable interventions. This integrated approach strengthens the case for locally led vaccination programs and supports the development of adaptive delivery models and One Health-aligned financing mechanisms.
Ultimately, the research challenges one-size-fits-all approaches to rabies control, advocating for data-driven strategies that reflect the lived realities of communities.
Why this work matters
Globally, Africa bears a disproportionate burden of dog-mediated human rabies deaths. Yet many vaccination campaigns are designed using generalised models that fail to reflect local contexts. In Kenya, I’ve seen firsthand how data gaps lead to planning gaps and mismatches between target populations and actual coverage.
My research helps fill these gaps, providing evidence-based guidance for designing context-specific rabies control programs. I’ve also been working on cost analysis frameworks, helping policymakers and donors better understand what it truly takes to achieve adequate coverage.
From researcher to advocate
Becoming an expert in this space has meant wearing many hats, from academic researcher and field coordinator to data analyst, trainer, and communicator. One of the most powerful aspects of this journey has been engaging with communities, collaborating with local officials, and supporting students and colleagues across Africa in building capacity in animal health surveillance.
I now lead data training workshops across East and Southern Africa, support regional Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) programs, and help shape surveillance strategies not only for rabies but for broader zoonotic threats. My next challenge is turning these insights into policy action.
Looking ahead: Equity, Evidence, and Impact
I believe rabies elimination is achievable in our lifetime — but only if we ground our efforts in real-world data and centre communities in our solutions.
To young researchers, I would say: Let curiosity lead you but let people ground you. Always remember that technical skills matter, but listening is your strongest tool. Lastly, becoming an expert is not about knowing everything; it’s about being willing to learn deeply, act responsibly, and remain humble.
My work on dog demography began as a technical project. It has become a platform for advocacy, policy change, and regional collaboration. And I’m just getting started.