Turkana Donkey Population Halves Amid Illegal Slaughter, Report Shows
By The Star – May 26, 2023
Turkana County has recorded a sharp decline in its donkey population, dropping from 800,000 to 400,000 over the past few years, according to a new report by the Association of Donkey Owners in Kenya (Adok).
The report indicates that Turkana, which accounts for 30 per cent of Kenya’s donkey population, has been severely affected by unchecked slaughter, illegal skin trade networks, and poor breeding practices. Nationally, donkey numbers have fallen from 1.8 million in 2016 to just 1 million today.
Adok attributes the decline to the opening of slaughterhouses targeting donkeys and the rise of illegal trade syndicates that procure donkey skins—often with the help of bandits. The skins are believed to be destined for export markets.
Despite a government directive to shut down illegal donkey operations in Lodwar, Adok Turkana chairman Albert Epeyo says clandestine trading is still thriving.
Some individuals continue to run the donkey skin business secretly, Epeyo said. The abattoir still operates underground, buying donkey skins through cartels and bandits.
A coalition of stakeholders—including the Turkana County Government, Brooke, Adok, and the Agency for Cross Border Development (APaD)—has launched efforts to conserve donkeys and protect them against rampant slaughter.
Irenaeus Nakadio from the Turkana County Directorate of Veterinary Services confirmed that illegal slaughter is the primary driver of the decline, noting increased demand for donkey skins on the black market.
APaD project officer for donkey welfare resilience, Cleophas Lokuta, said the group is committed to improving the wellbeing of the animals.
In collaboration with the county government and Brooke, we have treated donkeys, provided water services, and trained communities on fodder production, he said.
Experts warn that continued illegal slaughter could wipe out the animals entirely. Donkeys are poor breeders, with a gestation period of 12–14 months and a birth interval of 3–4 years, unlike cows which calve annually.
Research by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in 2019 revealed that the annual donkey slaughter rate was 5.1 per cent, five times higher than the population’s natural growth rate of 1.04 per cent.
Animal welfare organizations caution that unless urgent action is taken, the donkey population in Kenya—especially in Turkana—may collapse entirely.