Nairobi:Sixty donkey owners from the townships of Nakuru, Naivasha, and Narok have participated in a training program focused on entrepreneurship and animal welfare. This initiative aims to enhance the economic value of donkeys while ensuring their welfare as sustainable sources of livelihood.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was organized with the support of Farming Systems Kenya (FSK) and Brooke East Africa. It seeks to shift the perception of donkeys from mere beasts of burden to valuable economic assets supporting rural and urban entrepreneurs.
FSK Project Officer Samuel Chege highlighted that the training covered humane handling, proper harnessing, feeding, hydration, and wound prevention for the animals. Chege emphasized that improvements in donkey welfare can prevent injuries, ease their workload, and improve their overall well-being, which in turn benefits the families relying on them.
The project combines peer-to-peer learning sessions on youth opportunities, entrepreneurship, livelihood development, and animal welfare with access to veterinary services. This approach is designed to foster sustainable change by strengthening the link between family well-being and donkey welfare.
Furthermore, local animal health providers received specialized training in donkey medicine and were connected with veterinary suppliers to ensure sustainable access to treatment and services. The initiative also addressed issues such as the illegal skin trade and promoted the use of technology for animal identification and security.
Participants at the training, including officials from the Narok County Department of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders, shared resources on enterprise opportunities and youth empowerment. The focus was on equipping young donkey owners with knowledge and skills to invest in responsible animal care and better livelihood opportunities.
Dr. John Nadokila, a veterinary surgeon with FSK, pointed out that well-cared-for donkeys are more productive and highlighted the threat of animal theft linked to the illegal skin trade. The training introduced technologies like microchips and AI-based tracking systems to help protect these animals.
The role of donkeys in community life extends beyond transport; they are crucial in agricultural supply chains and household livelihoods. Cynthia Kioko from FSK noted that donkeys help reduce the burden of domestic work, particularly for women, by assisting with water transport and other heavy loads.
Donkey owner Joseph Kabugi shared his success story, crediting his donkey transport business with enabling him to open a small-scale enterprise, educate his children, and improve his family’s economic status. Despite the benefits, Kabugi and others expressed concerns over ongoing threats such as donkey theft and the need for stronger protective measures.
Overall, the training program aims to empower donkey owners, improve animal welfare, and enhance the economic contributions of donkeys to Kenyan communities.
