Kajiado: At least 350 donkeys were vaccinated against rabies during a donkey health clinic held in Enkorika, Kajiado County. The exercise was organized by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in collaboration with the Kajiado County Department of Veterinary Services, with support from The Donkey Sanctuary.
According to Kenya News Agency, the clinic aimed to promote donkey health, welfare, and responsible ownership within the community. In addition to the vaccinations, donkey owners received training on proper feeding, treatment, and humane handling of the animals. ANAW Chief Executive Officer Josiah Ojwang’ noted that the donkey population in Kajiado has grown significantly due to efforts by the county government and animal welfare stakeholders to educate residents on proper care of the animals.
However, Ojwang’ pointed out that many donkeys still face challenges such as overloading, neglect, and inadequate healthcare. He highlighted issues such as fatigue from overloading, mishandling of young donkeys, and poor loading methods leading to wounds that affect their ability to work.
In Kajiado County, donkeys are essential for daily activities, assisting households with tasks like fetching water, collecting firewood, and transporting farm produce. Donkey owner Lemayian Memusi emphasized their economic importance, stating that they are as profitable as sheep and cattle, helping families pay school fees and meet other needs.
Another owner, Abigael Titus, mentioned that communities are increasingly recognizing the importance of proper care to maximize donkey productivity. Enkorika Assistant County Commissioner Sylvia Mintina urged residents to protect their donkeys and report any cases of theft to the authorities.
