Campaigns have been launched in Kitui to sensitise donkey owners on measures they can take to prevent illegal skinning and theft.
Local non-governmental organisation Caritus has collaborated with local leaders on the initiative.
Officials of the NGO noted the illegal activities have increased as the demand for the skin has quadrupled in the Chinese market.
But Caritus officer Florence Ndeti noted: "The illegal skinning in Kitui is depriving the community of livelihoods."
She added: "Most women rely on donkeys for transportation of water to their homes which are long distances away."
Speaking in Mwingi on Monday, Ndeti further noted the 'beasts of burden' are among the most important domestic animals they should be cared for.
"It’s surprising that after we went through laws of guarding and protecting animals, there is no law set specifically for the misuse of donkeys. This is one of the laws that should be passed in Parliament."
Ndeti reported that so far, more than 15 donkeys
have been slaughtered and skinned in Mwingi.
This is puzzling, she said, adding residents did not know what criminals did with the skin and other organs.
In Kavaini, Mwingi West constituency,10 donkeys were slaughtered in one night about three months ago. This month, two donkeys were slaughtered during a night attack in Mwingi Central.
Ndeti asked donkey keepers to report such cases and take basic measures such as properly housing their animals.
On September 15, Mwingi residents were shocked to stumble upon two dead donkeys whose carcasses had been mutilated.
Nathan Mwangangi, a resident of Mateta village in Mwingi Central, asked: "Why do they have to skin the animal and remove some organs? What will they use them for? I think they are devil worshipers."
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