The Kajiado County Government has ordered the immediate stoppage of donkey slaughter and illegal movement within the county, warning that those involved will face arrest, fines and prosecution.
In a public notice dated February 23, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Irrigation and Fisheries, Francis Sakuda, said the practice violates the Meat Control Act (Cap 356) and the Animal Diseases Act (Cap 364).
Sakuda cited Sections 3, 4 and 25 of the Meat Control Act, which regulate slaughterhouses and meat inspection, as well as Sections 11, 13 and 45 of the Animal Diseases Act that govern animal movement control and enforcement.
The directive follows an incident on February 10 when members of the public alerted the National Government Administration about donkeys allegedly being slaughtered illegally in Olorien, Kajiado West. The area chief reported the matter to police, who confiscated carcasses and vehicles linked to the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
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The Kajiado County One Health team supervised the safe disposal of the carcasses to prevent public health risks. According to the notice, authorities have also reported increased cases of donkeys being moved across the county without valid documentation to unknown destinations.
The county government has now directed that all donkeys must be moved with a valid health certificate and a movement permit issued by the County Director of Veterinary Services. It stressed that any illegal movement or slaughter of donkeys is prohibited with immediate effect.
Sakuda said enforcement measures will be intensified, with community vigilance and multi-agency collaboration expected to support the crackdown. He warned that anyone found contravening the law will face fines, imprisonment, confiscation of animals and vehicles, and prosecution in accordance with the cited laws.
County officials urged residents and livestock traders to comply with the regulations to safeguard public health and uphold animal welfare standards.
By Benedict
