Kenya: Donkey owners at risk of losing their livelihoods – Written by Rita Marques

Donkey owners in Kirinyaga and Embu counties, in Kenya, are at risk of losing their main source of income and livelihood, following a court ruling that revoked the ban on the slaughter of donkeys. According to the population in these regions, having the slaughterhouses closed in the past year resulted in an increase of the donkey population and reduced the thefts of the animals, generally contributing to an increase of the income for these families. Kirinyaga Donkey Owners Association Chairman, Cyrus Gitonga, claimed that donkeys play a crucial role in Kenya, providing a source of transport and employment for many people. The population of Kirinyaga and Embu counties are calling on the government to appeal the ruling, as protecting the donkey population and in turn protect people’s jobs.