The decision by African heads of state to impose a 15-year ban on the slaughter of donkeys in the country has won the hearts of Kenyan farmers and other stakeholders in donkey keeping.

The ban that was adopted at the 37th African Union (AU) Summit held in Ethiopia on February 18 this year was aimed at ensuring the welfare and sustenance of communities across Africa who depend on donkeys.

Now stakeholders in donkey keeping have celebrated the decision by the African Heads of State saying it would protect the animals that have become endangered species.

Improve livelihoods

The stakeholders drawn from Narok, Nakuru, Baringo, and Nyandarua counties who met at Uhuru Market in Narok town to commemorate the Donkey Welfare Day said the ban was a big gain for donkey farmers.

Dr Benson Kibore, the Director of Farming System Kenya, recognised a donkey as a precious animal as it helps improve livelihoods for people living in rural areas.

The director said the population of donkeys was dwindling, but with the new directive, the numbers of the beast of burden are expected to rise again.

“Donkeys in this region will have enhanced protection following the new directive. The Donkeys in Africa will have enhanced protection from the devastating donkey skin trade, which was very rampant,” he said.

Dr Kibore called on donkey farmers to form groups where they can articulate the issues affecting them as well as benefit from training from his organisation.

Dr Benard Njau from the Narok Veterinary Department said the ban was a major achievement for the Africans who use the donkey to transport their goods through impassable roads.

Dr Njau said any person transporting a donkey should have a permit, meaning no donkey should be seen moving from one county to another without a movement permit.

“Currently, the director of veterinary services has stopped the issuance of movement permits for donkeys so as to curb the animals’ trade. This will help the population of donkeys to continue increasing,” he said.