CHEBKUBE, MT. ELGON – A special event was held in Chebkube, Mt. Elgon, to commemorate National Donkey Day, highlighting the critical role donkeys play in rural livelihoods and drawing attention to the urgent need to protect the animals from widespread theft and exploitation.
The event was graced by Philip Kipthang Sige, Deputy County Commissioner of Cheptais Sub-County, who underscored the invaluable contribution donkeys make to smallholder farmers and women in the region.
“In some cultures, a donkey is considered as essential as a second spouse,” Sige noted. “When you lose your donkey, you are left to carry everything on your own.” He urged local communities to treat donkeys humanely, condemning abuse, neglect, and overworking the animals.
Kenya has lost more than 1.4 million donkeys since 2016, largely due to theft and illegal slaughter. Sige pointed to a growing black market that funnels donkeys from Narok and Kajiado into neighboring Tanzania and Uganda, eventually supplying demand in China where donkey hides are used in traditional medicine.
“Theft is rampant. This must stop,” he declared, adding that a government-backed awareness program would soon be rolled out to educate communities on proper donkey care and the importance of protecting them.
Alfred Juma, Programs and Partner Support Manager at Ripple Effect Kenya, emphasized that donkeys are key enablers of rural development, providing reliable transport, reducing domestic workload, boosting household income, and enabling girls to stay in school.
“Farmers who invest in proper care of their donkeys are earning up to ten times more compared to those who rent them out indiscriminately,” Juma said. “Donkeys lighten the burden on women and girls, and in many cases, ensure girls stay in school rather than being pulled into domestic labor.”
Ripple Effect Kenya, in partnership with the government and organizations like the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), is promoting sustainable livestock management practices. These include regular hoof care, nutritious feeding, and restrictions on overworking, particularly in the region’s rugged terrain.
Juma also warned against the renewed exploitation of donkeys by foreign markets, especially China, which has turned to Africa after depleting its own donkey population. A court ruling that overturned a ban on donkey slaughterhouses, once led by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, has re-opened the door to animal abuse.
Stakeholders called for urgent policy intervention and community action to curb illegal trade and ensure the humane treatment of donkeys, which remain vital to millions of Kenyans in rural areas.
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