The first-ever donkey slaughterhouse is expected to start its operations in Naivasha soon after the county government gave it the go-ahead.
Agriculture Executive Stanley Chepkwony said they approved the facility's operations since the investor met all set requirements and because donkey meat is a licensed product.
He said the move is also expected to put an end to rampant donkey theft as well as their unauthorised trade, which results in the animal's illegal slaughter that poses a health hazard.
"We all know donkeys are categorised as food animals and we therefore do not see the need to deny an investor the licence to operate the abattoir," he said.
REGULATE TRADE
Dr Chepkwony said the county government is serious about regulating the region's animal meat trade, adding that legalising the sale of donkey meat will provide a lasting solution to the current disorderly state of affairs saga.
"What we need to do now is to make sure the donkeys are kept in a safe, secure and good condition to avoid contamination and spread of diseases," he said.
The executive was speaking at Kihoto Grounds on Tuesday, during celebrations to mark the International Donkey Day.
Also speaking at the same event, Deputy Governor Joseph Ruto said donkeys form an integral part of the economy adding that hundreds of residents benefit directly from them.
Mr Ruto said the county had put legislation in place to ensure the movement of these animals is controlled and safeguarded.
"We have since operationalised the Animal Welfare Act and we are also making sure that the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals Act is effected," he said.
Steering clear of the donkey abattoir discussion, Kenya Veterinary Association Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Kahariri said the country has 1.8m donkeys which contribute to 12 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
WATER VENDORS
Dr Kahariri said donkeys are a source of livelihood for many Kenyans, especially the youth, and asked the Government to ensure laws that protect such animals are enforced.
"In terms of agriculture, donkeys contribute about 40 per cent of the workforce and as such we cannot take the animals for granted," he said.
County Assembly Implementation Committee Chairman Simon Wanango hailed the role played by the animals in the county.
He said Naivasha has many donkeys that are now being used to help address perennial water shortage in the area having been converted into water vendors by the youth.
"We need to make sure that we protect these animals. Their owners should also endeavour to keep them clean so that the water they transport in carts does not become contaminated," he said.
