Understanding donkey value chain in Kenya: mapping, governance, challenges, and equity.

Donkeys (Equus asinus africanus) play a critical role in rural and peri-urban livelihoods in Kenya, supporting transportation, agriculture, and income generation. Despite their economic and social importance, donkeys remain underrepresented in national policies and development strategies. Limited data exist on the governance structures, operational challenges, and opportunities for upgrading the donkey value chain. This study aimed to map the donkey value chain, assess governance frameworks, identify constraints, and explore upgrading opportunities across diverse Kenyan production systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven purposively selected counties-Bungoma, Kitui, Nairobi, Kiambu, Narok, Turkana, and Nakuru-to capture variation across agro-ecological zones and rural-urban divides. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with government officials, donkey owners, transporters, and other value chain actors. Thematic analysis was performed using Taguette software, while quantitative data were summarised to show key value chain nodes and trends. Findings revealed that the donkey value chain is largely informal, with minimal regulatory oversight and fragmented markets. Inputs such as, veterinary services, and feed were accessed primarily through informal networks, with market dynamics influenced by seasonal labour demands. Donkeys were predominantly used for transporting farm produce, firewood, water, and waste, while their manure was used for agricultural fertilization and pest control. Donkey milk, though not widely consumed, was used in some communities for treating respiratory ailments such as asthma and tuberculosis. In Turkana County, donkey meat consumption persisted as a cultural practice, contrasting with other regions where donkeys were primarily working animals. Weak governance structures facilitated illegal donkey trade and theft, contributing to a rapid decline in donkey populations, particularly following the establishment and subsequent closure of donkey abattoirs that fuelled demand for skin. Sustaining the donkey sector requires strengthening regulatory frameworks to enhance animal welfare, control illegal trade, and improve service delivery. Formal integration of donkeys into national livestock policies is crucial for unlocking investment in donkey-related research, improving access to veterinary care and quality inputs, and scaling up the productive and medicinal use of donkey-derived outputs such as milk and manure.