The Brooke -

Since 2001, the Brooke has been funding the Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies (KENDAT) which aims to reach donkey owners through billboards, schools, welfare field days and the media.

Used for transport and ploughing, donkeys are widely overworked, overloaded, beaten and even slashed by their owners. Wounded animals pathetically scavenging rubbish can be a common sight on roadsides.

Donkeys taking rest in Mwea after an exhausting day's work

Using broadcast media has proven particularly effective in combating this situation. 'Mtunze Punda Akutunze' is the title of a unique nationwide radio programme about donkey welfare broadcast by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in conjunction with KENDAT.

'Mtunze punda akutunze' is a simple phrase in Kiswahili meaning “Look after your donkey and she’ll look after you.” Thanks to the radio show it is capturing the imagination of thousands of Kenyan radio listeners in thousands of rural communities.


	I want to tell you about a man from the small village of Hawinga. He used to keep donkeys without caring anything about them, mistreating them and not feeding or watering them adequately. But since you began your radio programme I’ve been able to talk to him and he has changed. These days he keeps four male donkeys and they are all in good health. He even gets a vet to care for their health when they need it. He is happy with what I have taught him through listening to your educational programme. You have taught us and we in turn are teaching others, so please continue with the good work. Henry Amuga, 'Mtunze Punda Akutunze' listener

Donkey owners across Kenya tune in eagerly each Thursday evening. The programme:

provides listeners with information and tips on good donkey welfare
awards T-shirts in competitions testing donkey-care knowledge
employs a scout who tours Kenya awarding prizes to owners of well-cared for donkeys

The programme's impact has been huge. Post bags are bulging with donkey welfare enquiries and requests by caring listeners for their animals to be assessed.


	Your educational and stimulating programme has certainly changed one man’s way of handling donkeys. Popularly known as Mr Donkey, he lives in Kandege. Previously, he used to work his donkeys without considering their health and well-being. If one failed to work he would whip it, claiming it was lazy, even if it was sick. When Mr Donkey started listening to your programme he changed completely. These days he will even carry light loads on his head to relieve his donkey…he knows and practices the things he learns from the programme. Ochieng Olute, 'Mtunze Punda Akutunze' listener

Donkeys feeding from a bag in Kenya © Brooke

We are already seeing what a difference the radio programme and our other projects are making. The number of donkeys with wounds has decreased, and there has even been an increase in owners taking nutritious 'packed lunches' to work for their hard working animals!

Donkey Radio is now airing at a peak evening time of 8.45pm. More prizes are being given away and more people are being reached so hopes for improved animal welfare are high.

Donkey radio triumphs in Kenya