NCRC to Launch Landmark Report on Donkey Theft and Illegal Trade in Kenya
NCRC to Launch Landmark Report on Donkey Theft and Illegal Trade in Kenya
By Stella Ranji
Nairobi, Kenya, July 2026 – The National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) Thursday, July 30, 2026, launch a landmark report examining the theft and illegal trade in donkey skins and related products in Kenya, providing the first comprehensive national assessment of the growing illicit trade and its far-reaching impacts.
The report comes at a critical time as Kenya continues to enforce the ban on the commercial slaughter of donkeys for skin production while grappling with evolving criminal networks involved in the illegal trade. It explores the scale, drivers, and consequences of donkey theft and trafficking, highlighting how transnational criminal syndicates have adapted to exploit enforcement gaps despite the ban.
According to the study, the illegal donkey skin trade is fuelled by strong international demand, with weak enforcement mechanisms enabling criminal actors to sustain complex supply chain networks that extend beyond Kenya's borders. The findings reveal that the trade has become an emerging form of transnational organised crime, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies and policymakers.
"Our research shows that the illegal donkey skin trade is driven by strong international demand and enabled by weaknesses in enforcement. The impacts extend beyond animal welfare to affect rural livelihoods, food security and community well-being. We hope these findings will inform evidence-based policies and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing this growing threat," said Dr. Dickson Gitonga, PhD, Principal Research Analyst at the National Crime Research Centre.
Beyond exposing the criminal dimensions of the trade, the report documents the devastating socio-economic effects of donkey theft on rural communities that depend on the animals for transport, farming and income generation. It also examines the implications for animal welfare and sustainable livelihoods.
The report recommends strengthening law enforcement responses, enhancing policy and legislative frameworks, improving inter-agency coordination, promoting regional cooperation and safeguarding Kenya's donkey population from continued exploitation.
The launch is expected to bring together government officials, law enforcement agencies, development partners, animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders to discuss coordinated strategies for combating the illegal trade and protecting vulnerable communities.
The NCRC says the report will provide critical evidence to guide national and regional efforts aimed at curbing illegal donkey slaughter, dismantling criminal networks and preserving Kenya's donkey population for future generations.
