There are over 1.8 million donkeys in Kenya and around three quarters are working animals used in transport and farming, playing a key role in Kenya’s agricultural economy. 

Around one third of the working donkey population are in a poor condition, suffering from work-related injuries, malnutrition and lameness. Many of the problems arise from a lack of understanding among owners, inadequate resources, as well as the use of traditional practices such as firing.

Helping working donkeys across Kenya

National Donkey Welfare Day aims to recognise the contribution donkeys make to the national and rural economy across Kenya. We will be marking the sixth annual National Donkey Welfare Day on May 17th through our Brooke-funded partner Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies (KENDAT).

The aim of the day is to encourage donkey owners and users to value them as important animals that need to be taken care of considering the vital role they play in improving people’s lives. 

National Donkey Welfare Day activities include;

• Distributing advice and information on donkey welfare, management and husbandry to owners and users
• Providing veterinary treatment to donkeys in need
• Sharing ideas on donkey welfare with key stakeholders 
• Engaging participants including the general public, groups, and local councils
• Promoting the image of the donkey in society through local and national media 

The Heshimu Punda project

The Brooke-funded Heshimu Punda project, or ‘Respect the Donkey,’ has been leading celebrations to mark National Donkey Welfare Day since 2006. It aims to create long-term sustainable health care for donkeys in Kenya and currently runs in Mwea, Lari and Limuru and also offers a limited emergency response service in Nairobi’s Ruai area.  

Last year’s National Donkey Welfare Day received an overwhelming media response and dominated prime time news in at least three local television stations. This media coverage enabled the Brooke and KENDAT’s key messages to reach many donkey owners and users and the public. It is hoped that 2011’s National Donkey Welfare Day will prove to be an even bigger success.