UoN and Brooke East Africa Ink Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Donkey Welfare and Veterinary Training

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is set to become a regional hub for specialized equine healthcare following a high-level consultative meeting between university leadership and Brooke East Africa. The collaboration aims to address the critical gap in donkey welfare while creating advanced clinical training models for veterinary students.

The courtesy call, held on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, was received by Professor Leonida Kerubo, who emphasized the university's commitment to industry partnerships that translate academic research into community impact.

Leading the delegation, Raphael (Magambo) Kinoti, Regional Director of Brooke East Africa, underscored the urgency of protecting donkeys, which remain a lifeline for millions of rural households. The partnership focuses on:

• Specialized Training: Developing curriculum models specifically for animals and donkey health and welfare.
• Clinical Excellence: Elevating the University’s status as an essential veterinary facility for Kenya.
• Research Intensification: Moving beyond basic care to high-level scientific inquiry.

Dr. Samantha Opere, a key technical lead in the partnership, highlighted the practical implications for the veterinary profession. "Our goal is to ensure that the donkey is no longer the 'forgotten' animal in clinical practice," Dr. Samamba noted. "By integrating specific donkey health protocols into the university's framework with other animals, we are equipping the next generation of vets with the precise skills needed to manage these unique and resilient animals."

Professor John D. Mande, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Human Resource, and Administration, outlined an ambitious roadmap for the collaboration. He noted that the partnership would directly support PhD students and foster a robust environment for scientific conferences.

"We are not just looking at basic treatment," Professor Mande stated. "We are looking at advancing healthcare at the research level, ensuring our clinical facilities are world-class, and fostering an environment where our PhD candidates can lead the continent in equine science."

The economic stakes of the partnership were brought into sharp focus by Mr. John Orindi, UoN Director of Corporate Affairs. He raised concerns over the illegal trade of donkey derivatives, noting the grim reality that "donkey skin is currently more expensive than the donkey itself." He urged the university to open up more avenues for engagement to protect these animals, which are vital to the local economy.

The meeting was attended by a multi-disciplinary team of experts, ensuring the project bridges the gap between economics and clinical practice. Key faculty members in attendance included:Joshua Orungo Onono: Specialist in Public Health, Veterinary Epidemiology, and Economics, Dr. Tequiero Abuom Okumu From the Department of Clinical Studies.

This synergy between Brooke East Africa and the University of Nairobi marks a turning point for veterinary medicine in Kenya, promising a future where animal health, student excellence, and community livelihoods are inextricably linked.