On Tuesday, 23 June 2026, school-going children from the Donkey Care Club (DCC) drawn from five schools — Ruai Primary, Ngundu Primary, Athi Primary, Drum Ville Primary, and Highway Manyatta Comprehensive School in Njiru Sub-county, Nairobi County — took part in a community awareness walk from Ngundu Primary School to Kamulu Market to protest against rising donkey theft, illegal slaughter, and the growing donkey hide trade in Kenya.
The awareness campaign comes amid growing concern over the rapid decline of donkey populations in Kenya, with animal welfare groups estimating that the country has lost more than 50% of its donkey population in the last decade due to theft, slaughter, and cross-border trade in donkey hides.
In many parts of Kenya, donkeys are a critical source of livelihood, supporting over 70% of households in rural and peri-urban transport-related work, including water vending, farming activities, and small-scale trade. Experts warn that continued losses could push many vulnerable families into deeper poverty.
Farmers Warn of Donkey Extinction Risk Amid Rising Illegal Trade
The chairman of the Kamulu Mtunze Punda Association, which brings together donkey farmers and owners, said the awareness walk was meant to educate communities on protecting donkeys from theft, neglect, and illegal slaughter linked to the donkey hide trade.
“This day is very important because through this walk we are creating awareness and educating the community on how to take care of donkeys, raising awareness about illegal slaughtering, theft, misuse of donkeys, lack of treatment, and overworking of the animals,” he said.
He noted that donkeys remain heavily neglected compared to other domesticated animals, despite their essential contribution to household incomes and local economies.
“Lack of proper shelter has heavily contributed to theft, which leads to illegal slaughtering, as the animals are easily exposed to danger,” he added.
Farmers warned that the rising demand for donkey meat and hides has led to a steep decline in donkey numbers, raising fears that the animals could face extinction in Kenya if urgent interventions are not implemented.
Students Join Conservation Push to Protect Donkeys
Students who participated in the walk said the exercise helped them understand the importance of animal welfare and the role donkeys play in everyday life.
“Donkeys help a lot in the community by carrying loads and making work easier. People slaughtering them should stop,” said Abigael Beatrice Kabogo, a student at Ngundu Junior Secondary School.
Teachers accompanying the learners said the initiative was designed to build long-term awareness among young people on animal protection and environmental responsibility.
Rising Donkey Theft Cases Raise Alarm in Nairobi and Beyond
According to local farmers and animal welfare stakeholders, donkey theft and illegal slaughter have increased significantly in recent years, with reports indicating that hundreds of donkeys are lost monthly in affected regions.
“We’ve realised that some donkeys are being stolen while others are being slaughtered despite the vital role they play in supporting families, generating income, and paying school fees,” said Otieno Yudah, a teacher at Highway Manyatta Comprehensive School.
He urged authorities to introduce stricter enforcement measures, warning that continued inaction could accelerate the decline of donkey populations across Kenya.
Animal welfare organizations have also repeatedly raised concern that weak regulation and high demand for donkey skins are fueling an underground trade network that threatens the survival of the species in the country.
Youth Call for Urgent Action on Animal Welfare
Kisi Obiriko, a student from Drum Ville and member of the Compassionate Care Club, said the awareness walk was meant to bring together stakeholders and spark wider conversations on responsible animal care.
He added that the club is committed not only to protecting donkeys but also to promoting broader animal welfare and environmental conservation.
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