The County Government of Kitui, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Kitui Municipality, has drafted the Kitui Municipality Stray Livestock Control Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating, controlling and managing stray livestock within the municipality. The proposed law aims to regulate livestock movement, establish municipal livestock pounds, provide procedures for impounding, releasing and disposing of stray animals, and safeguard public health, road safety, public infrastructure, the environment and private property.
According to the memorandum of the Bill, rapid urban growth has led to an increase in livestock roaming on roads, markets, residential estates, schools, health facilities and other public spaces. The draft states that uncontrolled livestock movement has contributed to road accidents, obstruction of roads and drainage systems, destruction of landscaped public areas, contamination through animal waste and damage to both public and private property. The proposed legislation also seeks to strengthen municipal enforcement, promote responsible livestock ownership, ensure humane treatment of animals during impoundment and improve compliance with municipal regulations.
The Bill will apply to all livestock owners, herders, institutions and corporate bodies keeping livestock within Kitui Municipality, as well as livestock transported into or through the municipality. It outlines guiding principles including protection of human life, public health, environmental conservation, accountability, transparency, community participation and collaboration among enforcement agencies. If enacted by the County Assembly, the law is expected to provide an effective system for preventing stray livestock while supporting orderly urban development and harmonious coexistence between livestock keepers and other users of municipal spaces.
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