Geza Ulole
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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Lamu's main mode of transport
Feb. 21, 2018, 12:30 am
By CHETI PRAXIDES
Some of the donkeys that were participating in the Lamu donkey pageant 2015./COURTESY
For the longest time, donkeys have been and remain the major mode of transport in Lamu town and other far-flung islands.
Residents in this part of Kenya use these animals for movement to either transport people to their destinations or to carry loads. While the rest of Kenya shops and packs their goods into vehicles or motorcycles, Lamu residents will shop and board donkeys for the journey back home.
Donkeys are not just a part of every household, they form a major part of the Lamu old town’s culture and heritage.
You don’t talk about the culture of Lamu without mentioning the donkey. It’s also a huge tourist attraction, as tourist flock in from far and wide to come and witness the magical culture of the Swahili people, who have been able to maintain their noble tradition even in the face of glaring modernity.
Though faced with increased threats from introduction of automobiles like cars and motorcycles, the donkey remains the go-to means of transport. The increasing donkey population, however, came with new challenges, especially in terms of donkey welfare and health.
DONKEY HEALTHCARE
Residents only had the basic traditional training on how to care for donkeys, while failing to take into account the general body welfare of the donkey.
Hamisi Zubeid, who breeds donkeys for sale in the town, says people’s knowledge on donkey welfare was limited.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/sites/de...ll_content/public/1117332_0.jpg?itok=QmtptVUB
Feb. 21, 2018, 12:30 am
By CHETI PRAXIDES
Some of the donkeys that were participating in the Lamu donkey pageant 2015./COURTESY
For the longest time, donkeys have been and remain the major mode of transport in Lamu town and other far-flung islands.
Residents in this part of Kenya use these animals for movement to either transport people to their destinations or to carry loads. While the rest of Kenya shops and packs their goods into vehicles or motorcycles, Lamu residents will shop and board donkeys for the journey back home.
Donkeys are not just a part of every household, they form a major part of the Lamu old town’s culture and heritage.
You don’t talk about the culture of Lamu without mentioning the donkey. It’s also a huge tourist attraction, as tourist flock in from far and wide to come and witness the magical culture of the Swahili people, who have been able to maintain their noble tradition even in the face of glaring modernity.
Though faced with increased threats from introduction of automobiles like cars and motorcycles, the donkey remains the go-to means of transport. The increasing donkey population, however, came with new challenges, especially in terms of donkey welfare and health.
DONKEY HEALTHCARE
Residents only had the basic traditional training on how to care for donkeys, while failing to take into account the general body welfare of the donkey.
Hamisi Zubeid, who breeds donkeys for sale in the town, says people’s knowledge on donkey welfare was limited.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/sites/de...ll_content/public/1117332_0.jpg?itok=QmtptVUB