Her Majesty Queen Camilla visits Brooke as part of Kenya state visit

Today as part of her state visit to Kenya, Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited global working animal charity Brooke’s East Africa programme, to learn how the organisation is promoting equine welfare in the region.

In Kenya, working donkeys are primarily relied upon for the transport of water, firewood, farm produce, and commercial goods. They also work in extractive industries in extremely harsh conditions. Unfortunately, many of these animals are affected by poor welfare. Brooke East Africa was set up in 2013 to positively impact vulnerable equines and their communities.

During her visit, the Queen learnt about Brooke’s work with farriers and harness makers to ensure better welfare for animals. Her Majesty was also introduced to a Donkey Care Club, where local children are taught how to look after their donkeys, and a project in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA).

Queen Camilla, who has been President of Brooke since 2006, is a strong supporter of equine welfare and has travelled the world to see Brooke’s work in places such as Egypt, Pakistan and India.

Chief Executive of Brooke, Chris Wainwright, said: “We are honoured to have Her Majesty visit Brooke’s work in Kenya. Her love and passion for equines is well known, and her commitment to promoting the welfare of working equids is an inspiration for everyone in the Brooke family, wherever they work in the world. Such visits help us to showcase the immense contribution that working horses, donkeys and mules make to some of the poorest communities in the world.”