The rampant illegal slaughter of donkeys in Kenya is fueling concerns over the potential extinction of an animal vital to rural livelihoods.
Speaking to media stakeholders in Kisumu on Wednesday, Pamela Opiyo, Country Director of Support for Tropical Initiatives in Poverty Alleviation (STIPA), issued a stark warning about the rising demand for donkey meat and the unchecked trade that threatens their survival.
“If we are not careful, our donkeys will be wiped out completely. We need to act now to save this valuable animal from extinction. Donkeys are irreplaceable in the roles they play in our lives,” Opiyo stated.
Despite their crucial role in transport, land tillage, and economic sustenance for many families, donkeys remain largely unprotected under Kenyan law, creating loopholes that allow illegal slaughterhouses to thrive. STIPA is now pushing for urgent legislative action at both county and national levels to ban the commercialization of donkey meat and impose stricter penalties on illegal traders.
“I call upon our legislators, both from the National and County Assemblies, to help us save the donkeys. There should be laws that protect and revolve around donkey welfare. It is sad we don’t have such laws in the land,” Opiyo urged.
Beyond the legal aspect, Opiyo raised health concerns over the consumption of donkey meat, noting that many of the animals are not properly immunized, posing risks such as rabies and other infections.
As World Donkey Day approaches on May 17, STIPA and other stakeholders are rallying communities to take a stand through the Kutunza Punda ni Kutunza Jamii initiative, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to save these indispensable animals.
