Livestock farmers in Kibera have been blamed for failing to maintain clean environment in the areas they keep their animals.
This is according to Kibera Sub-County Livestock officers who were speaking on Monday at Makina Estate when they were called by residents to address concerns over an alleged persistent nuisance caused by a rabbit keeper in the area.
Richard Were, Livestock officer in Kibera reiterated that it is an obligation of any farmer to ensure conducive environment for the livestock kept and also to the people living within the ecosystem.
"We would like to see these animals being kept in a clean environment because that is when even the people living around them are assured of good health. If the animals are not kept properly, the waste they produce can turn to be harmful to the surrounding especially with the smell they produce," said Were.
"We encourage residents to keep livestock and poultry only that they should make good use of the available space so that they don't interfere with their neighbours. Livestock production should benefit both the farmer and the people who surround them," he added.
The residents of Makina estate had forwarded complaints to the livestock department demanding action to be taken against the rabbit keeper popularly known as Rajab who they claim has not put into consideration proper maintenance of the area to which he rears his livestock.
The matter was, however, partly addressed in his absence as he was away. The residents claim that he has failed to control the disposal of waste from the rabbit hutches thus polluting the environment.
"We have tried several times to talk to Rajab about his livestock but all in vain. That is why we involved the livestock officers to address this matter. It is unfortunate that he is not around but as you can see, these hutches are not well maintained with waste scattered everywhere," said Peter Opunde, the officer in charge of cleanliness at Makina area.