Donkey Pacesetters from Mt. Elgon decry lack of Sisal to Make Harnesses and Luggage Carriers

By Isabella Maua

About 15 donkey pacesetters within Mt. Elgon Sub County have on Friday held a meeting at Nomorio to chat way forward on how to push the donkey welfare agenda in the region.

Speaking during the session, Hellen Wanyonyi their leader (from Kopsiro) appreciated Ripple Effect and Brooke East Africa for training and empowering them since 2022.

“We have had trainings since May 2022 which have played a very big role in changing our mind-set and also improving the welfare of our lovely donkeys by sharing our knowledge with fellow farmers,” noted Wanyonyi.

Judith Samburmo, a member from Chepyuk hailed the support received from Ripple Effect applauding them for coming in handy to address their greatest challenge which is lack of sisal.

“Despite the passion we have for our job we don’t have sisal, however, Ripple Effect has been bringing us sisal which is the main raw material we need to weave our products,” explained Samburmo.

Kennedy Wanyonyi, Ripple Effect Project Facilitator affirmed their support to pacesetters further calling upon any well wishers to offer aid in ensuring success of the program.

“So far we’ve brought the pacesetters 2 lots of sisal twines which we buy from Homabay at Ksh.100 per Kilogram; as part of sustainability we encourage them to source this commodity from outside counties like Teso,” advised Wanyonyi.

On the other hand, the pacesetters also benefited from demonstrations on how to tie a donkey, trim its hooves and set it to carry luggage without compromising its well being.