The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting donkeys and the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans who depend on them, amid renewed concerns over illegal slaughter, theft, and the illicit donkey skin trade.
This assurance was given when the leadership of the Association of Donkey Owners in Kenya (ADOK) paid a courtesy visit to Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, in a meeting held in partnership with Brooke East Africa. ADOK represents more than 26,500 members drawn from 540 organized groups across 24 counties, making it the largest umbrella body for donkey owners in the country.
Discussions during the engagement centered on persistent threats facing Kenya’s donkey population, including animal welfare violations, illegal bush slaughter, and limited access to veterinary services in rural and arid regions. ADOK leaders acknowledged past government interventions, particularly the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), noting that the program helped disrupt donkey bush slaughter networks and strengthened enforcement after the closure of licensed donkey slaughterhouses.
However, the association warned that serious challenges remain. ADOK raised concern that some slaughterhouses previously shut down are operating illegally, while the donkey skin trade continues underground despite an African Union moratorium banning the practice. According to the association, rising donkey theft and rampant bush slaughter have accelerated population decline, threatening the survival of the species and the livelihoods tied to it.
The donkey remains a critical economic asset in many Kenyan households, especially among smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities where it supports agriculture, water transport, and income generation. ADOK emphasized that continued exploitation undermines household economies and weakens community resilience.
To address the gaps, ADOK called for the fast-tracking of the Animal Welfare Protection and Control Bill, arguing that stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms are urgently needed to deter offenders and safeguard working animals.
Responding to the concerns, PS Jonathan Mueke reaffirmed the government’s commitment to donkey welfare and the protection of livelihoods dependent on the animal, saying the issue remains a priority within the livestock development agenda.
“Protecting donkey welfare is essential to strengthening household economies and building community resilience,” Mueke said. “I reaffirm the Department’s commitment to protecting donkeys and the livelihoods that depend on them.”
ADOK pledged to continue collaborating with the State Department for Livestock Development, county governments, and development partners to enhance surveillance, improve access to veterinary services, and ensure strict enforcement of existing laws.
The renewed engagement comes at a time when Kenya faces growing pressure to end illegal donkey exploitation, as authorities balance animal welfare, rural livelihoods, and regional commitments to curb illicit trade.
