The plight of Kenya’s donkeys took center stage on Saturday during the National Donkey Day celebrations held at Mutomo Stadium, Kitui County. The event, led by Caritas Kitui and supported by The Brooke East Africa in partnership with the County Government of Kitui, brought together hundreds of stakeholders in a show of solidarity for the protection of the animal.
Under the theme “Africa’s Commitment to Donkey Preservation Now and in the Future,” the event highlighted the growing threat to donkeys due to illegal slaughter, poor care, and theft driven by the underground donkey hide trade.
Calls for Immediate Enforcement of Slaughter Ban
Caritas Kitui Director Madam Florence Ndeti called on both national and county governments to fully enforce the ban on donkey slaughter and the trade in donkey hides. “We are urging the authorities to take firm action. The ban must not remain on paper. We want arrests and prosecutions of those violating it,” she said.
County Government Vows Support
Dr. Stephen Mbaya, the Kitui County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, pledged the county’s full support in the fight to protect donkeys. He emphasized that transporting donkeys at night would no longer be tolerated, warning that most thefts and illegal trades happen under the cover of darkness.
Donkey Welfare in Focus
As the celebrations continued, over 200 donkeys received free veterinary services including deworming, hoof treatment, and wound care. Experts present emphasized that more needs to be done to improve the health and welfare of donkeys across the county. They pointed out that many donkey owners lack access to regular veterinary care, and called on the government to invest in mobile animal health units that can reach remote communities.
Stakeholders also called for more public awareness campaigns to educate rural communities on the importance of proper donkey care. With donkeys playing a key role in transporting water, firewood, and agricultural produce, especially in arid regions like Kitui, their wellbeing is directly tied to the survival of many households.
Fr. Richard Kyenze of Caritas Kitui also proposed that donkey welfare be introduced into the school curriculum through Donkey Care Clubs, saying early education can help shape a new generation that respects and protects working animals. He further suggested community-led night patrols and local watch groups to deter donkey theft, particularly in high-risk zones.
In the face of rising threats, the message from Kitui was clear: the donkey is not just an animal of burden, but a silent partner in rural development. Protecting it must go beyond symbolic events and become a sustained national effort. Without urgent action, Kenya risks losing an irreplaceable asset — one village at a time.
