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By Isabella Maua
Ripple Effect in collaboration with Brooke East Africa and The government of Kenya through Namwela Veterinary Office have on Tuesday held a training among Peer Farmers Trainer and practicing veterinarians in Chwele.
Speaking during the session in Busakala Dr. Richard Barasa, Veterinary Officer at Namwela promised donkey farmers that the government is ready and willing to work with other professionals to ensure they get quality services.
“We’re grateful to Ripple Effect and Brooke East Africa for their dedication in this project and together we shall ensure you receive the best donkey services from us even if it means through referral,” affirmed Barasa.
The farmers were majorly trained on donkey handling and harnessing while protecting the animal and themselves from harm.
Dr. Peter Ng’ielo of Ripple Effect challenged fellow vets to prioritize farmers needs in ensuring the largest stakeholders are happy.
“Farmers are our biggest stakeholders and as professionals we need to help them maintain this animals well being without compromise by advise and more trainings,” reiterated Dr. Ng’ielo.
Dr. Vincent Oloo working with Brooke East Africa led the training session on medication procedures and demonstrated best practices on drug administration and injections.
“Thank you for heeding to the call to attend this training, it’ s key to be very keen on handling, administering drugs and even injecting donkeys, being prey animals, they’re equally very dangerous when mishandled,” cautioned Dr. Oloo.
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James Mwaura, a donkey farmer expressed the farmers’ gratitude towards the very educative session requesting that more needs to be done to give the donkey its dignity back since most of its users overlook its value.
The farmers were also sensitized on donkey welfare including nutrition, general basic needs and wants of the beast of burden besides showing them kindness and compassion.
The training was also attended by Animal Health Assistants, farriers, practising private and government veterinarians.