Narok Elders Raise Alarm Over Illegal Donkey Slaughter, Demand Action
Narok, Kenya — 18 September 2025
Leaders in Narok County have issued a grave warning over the suspected illegal slaughter and sale of donkey meat, calling on local authorities and the public to heighten vigilance. The alert was raised by Kelena Ole Nchoe, Chairperson of the Narok Maasai Council of Elders, who said that donkey carcasses are being offloaded in bushes, slaughtered secretly, and sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Despite repeated sensitization campaigns, the elder said the unlawful practice has persisted, leading to a sharp decline in the donkey population. He urged residents to report anyone seen herding large donkey herds — particularly at night — without proper permits.
Our community has never witnessed donkeys being moved in large numbers. These animals usually stay home, helping women fetch water, firewood, and transport produce to the market, said Ole Nchoe. He emphasized the crucial role donkeys play in household chores and local transport, noting they do so without requiring fuel.
Another elder, Robert Ole Ire, expressed gratitude to the government for closing licensed donkey slaughterhouses but lamented that the clandestine bush slaughter continues, jeopardizing both donkey populations and community health. He warned that meat from such uninspected sources could pose serious health risks to consumers.
Sylvester Waku of Farming Systems Kenya added that awareness campaigns are ongoing, but more effort is needed to engage residents and enforce reporting mechanisms. He pointed to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics showing that the donkey population in Kenya has plummeted from about 1.9 million in 2019 to under a million today, largely due to demand for donkey skins and meat.
Donkey skin, known as ejiao in traditional medicine, is harvested for its use in alleged health supplements. High international demand — especially for products made from donkey hides — has driven an increase in illegal donkey trade. Although donkey slaughterhouses were licensed in the past, the elder said most remain closed, while illegal night-time slaughter in the bushes has surged.