Stolen Lives: The Donkey Theft Crisis in Kenya

The donkey theft crisis in Kenya is driven by the rising demand for donkey skins, primarily to produce ejiao, a gelatin used in traditional Chinese medicine. As a result, criminal enterprises have emerged, stealing donkeys from rural communities where they are essential for transportation and labor. Reports indicate that the donkey population in Kenya has plummeted from 1.8 million to around 900,000 over the past decade, with licensed slaughterhouses butchering approximately 1,000 donkeys daily to meet this demand. This surge in theft has led to increased insecurity for local farmers, who now fear for the safety of their animals, and has sparked protests against the illegal trade. In response to these challenges, animal rights organizations and local communities are advocating for stronger protections and a potential ban on the export of donkey skins to safeguard these vital animals.