Linturi: Donkey Meat to be Legalized in the Country

Sunday, June 18, 2023 –Government of Kenya is mulling over legalising donkey meat in the country to create employment.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi on Saturday, June 17, hinted at removing a ban on donkey meat in the country.

The CS who was speaking in Baringo County, stated that, though donkey meat is not yet legal in the country, it is soon going to be legal for both local and export market.

He added that his ministry will, however, have to come up with clear livestock guidelines to protect the animal species as well as owners.

Linturi argued that, if donkey slaughter is permitted locally, youth will have jobs in the sector and it will also pump more money into Kenyan economy due to export. But he clarified that this can only happen within the confines of law.

The ban, he noted, had left many youth jobless and if lifting can be the only solution, then his ministry must consider this.

“If lifting the ban will ensure that young people go back to work, then I will make sure that everything that is possible is done so that they can get employment.

“I am thrilled to hear that because if people can take the meat, then why don’t we give them the meat and even export so that we can have foreign currency from donkey meant,” CS Linturi stated.

The Government’s response is coming days after a section of Baringo residents lamented that ban on donkey meat had left them disgruntled.

Also, Mogotio Member of Parliament Reuben Kiborek had complained about the ban which he said was not warranted.

Amid all these, miles away in Kiambu County, police raided a homestead and arrested two suspects with Donkey meat.

The Police confirmed that the home was a powerful haven for illegal donkey meat which is sold around Central Kenya and Nairobi County.