Donkey stakeholders across various counties in Kenya gathered at Uhuru Market in Narok town to celebrate the decision made by African Heads of State to prohibit the slaughter of donkeys on the continent for the next 15 years.
The ban was a significant victory for donkey farmers, emphasizing the value of donkeys in enhancing rural livelihoods. Dr. Benson Kibore, the Director of Farming System Kenya, highlighted the importance of donkeys in improving the well-being of rural communities and expressed concern over the declining donkey population.
The ban, which was endorsed at the 37th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, aims to safeguard the welfare of communities reliant on donkeys across Africa. Dr. Kibore emphasized that the new directive would provide increased protection for donkeys in the region, particularly shielding them from the widespread donkey skin trade.
He urged donkey farmers to establish groups to address their concerns and access training opportunities offered by his organization. Dr. Benard Njau of the Narok Veterinary Department welcomed the ban, recognizing its significance for individuals using donkeys for transportation in challenging terrains. He stressed the requirement for permits when transporting donkeys between counties to regulate their movement and discourage illicit trade practices.
To ensure the well-being of donkeys, Dr. Njau emphasized the enforcement of laws against animal mistreatment and underscored the importance of training animals without causing harm. Additionally, Ali Shakur, the Narok Central Assistant County Commissioner, reiterated the commitment to preventing the movement and sale of donkeys within the county.
Elijah Mithigi, Director of Programmes at Brookes East Africa, mentioned the organization’s efforts to support donkey farmers in diversifying their income sources through training initiatives. As part of the celebrations, over 300 donkeys, dogs, and cats received free vaccinations against tetanus and rabies.
Local donkey farmers, like Margeret Wambui and Margeret Mpatiany, expressed gratitude for the government’s protective measures and urged collaboration with authorities to report any suspicious activities related to donkey slaughter. They highlighted the instrumental role donkeys play in providing safe and reliable transport, especially during challenging weather conditions.
