So you want to start a donkey transport business?

A resident in the semi-arid Ciangera village, Mbeere North Sub County fetching water (JOSEPH MUCHIRI/STANDARD)

What you will need to start a donkey business

1.      Healthy donkey

To start, you will have to source for healthy animals. According to Pauline Akinyi, who runs a donkey transportation business in Siaya County, you can start small by buying two female donkeys - which are considered more docile than male ones - at Sh20,000 each. Depending with availability of work where you are based, you can target a daily income of Sh1,000 daily.

2.      Donkey cart

Donkeys can either work as draught animals where they pull a cart or a plough, or alternatively a load is placed directly on their backs. If you have two or more donkeys, a cart enables transportation of bigger loads over long distances. A metallic donkey cart costs about Sh15,000.

3.      Strong and reliable workers

You do not have to engage in the actual work of loading and directing your donkeys. You can employ an operator and an assistant. This work requires sturdy people who can load and unload heavy cargo from the cart. They should also be trusted to take care of the animals and carts and should be experienced to avoid causing accidents on the road.

 4.      Feed and veterinary care

You must ensure you feed your animals well and once in a while have a vet come to check on them. Mwea East Veterinary Officer Catherine Mulonzi says donkeys should be housed in shelters that protect them from harsh weather. She says they must be vaccinated against rabies annually and dewormed every three months.

5.      Right attitude

While donkeys are well known for their hardiness in hauling heavy loads, it seems their transport does not rank highly as a worthy venture.  Many young people think it is a business for the poor. But beneath the misconceptions, donkeys can earn one a decent and stress-free income as many people seek their transport, which is relatively inexpensive compared to using other means such as motorised transport.

 6.      Observe regulations

Donkeys should be treated well, you should not flog them to avoid falling into trouble with animal welfare groups. You should also obtain the licences that may required by the authorities. Moreover, no donkey should operate at night and cart operators should wear reflective jackets to prevent accidents.

What you don’t need

1. A lot of capital

Two healthy donkeys and a cart should cost about Sh50,000 and still earn you a daily income. Even with a single donkey that will cost between Sh15,000 and Sh20,000 you can still earn a decent amount of money.

2. Daily management

When you have a reliable worker, you can agree on a fixed amount of money they will bring you daily. This amount is net of their wages, county government fee and feed and water for the animals.