The government has reservations over donkey meat trade, Environment CS Judi Wakhungu told a meeting of animal welfare lobbyists yesterday.
Animal welfare lobbyists yesterday met at the UN complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, where Wakhungu said concerns have been raised over the trade.
She said she has some reservations over the trade, but added the National Environment Management Authority reviews each case on a need basis before issuing a licence.
Wakhungu said issues have been raised pertaining to factories already in operation.
“This is new to us and there are some issues raised on possible health effects. We are approaching it carefully and we will make changes as Kenyans experience,” she said.
She made the remarks at during the official opening of a three-day Africa animal welfare conference.
The only donkey abattoirs in Kenya are two — one in Baringo county and another in Naivasha, Nakuru county.
The Chinese-owned Goldox abattoir in Baringo has been a centre of controversy, as flocks of birds hover over the slaughterhouse.
Baringo residents have in the recent past complained of foul smell.
The Meat Control (Amendment) Act 2012 documented donkeys and horses as food animals in Kenya.
Many butcheries have not been licensed to sell donkey meat.
However, interested parties and owners of abattoirs can seek licences from veterinary offices to slaughter and sell the meat outside the country.
Wakhungu said Kenya has a few donkeys. She welcomed the conference, saying it has come at a time when United Nations Assembly member states are set to meet in Nairobi to tackle “the most pressing issues”.
UNEA 3 is set to focus on air, land and sea pollution.
Wakhungu said the welfare of animals has not been given the attention it deserves.
“The Kenyan government is keen to gain useful lessons from the deliberations and outcome of the conference on how to address animal welfare issues across all sectors of development in our society,” she said.
The government will study how different countries have legislated animal welfare in environment, health and technology.
Wakhungu said the ever-rising human population continues to exert pressure on resources.
This is largely driven by economic activities, human settlements and infrastructure development, she said.
Wakhungu said the ban on plastics was commendable. It has gained acceptance from the majority of Kenyans, she added.