Donkey owners in Lamu have asked the government to contract them to supply foodstuff and smaller commodities that are required at the new port.
They are also seeking transportation tenders.
President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the first berth at the new Lamu Port on May 20 when he witnessed the maiden docking of the first cargo ship at the facility.
Lamu Donkey Owners Association chairperson Omar Kidege said a project as massive as the LAPSSET has enough opportunities for all residents.
He said donkey owners haven’t benefitted from the port since its inception but added it was the best time for them to be incorporated and given the chance to contribute towards the development in their own small way.
“We are talking about tenders like those for supplying food and water to workers at the port. Let them take us through what we need to do so that we can get such. That is the least the government can do for us," Kidege said.
Donkeys are the traditional mode of transport in Lamu and have for centuries been used to transport people and cargo.
They are also an integral part of the region’s culture and heritage with many people flocking the county just to witness the unique lifestyle of the Swahili and Bajuni residents.
The donkey owners said there is a need for the government to help protect Lamu’s heritage by ensuring donkey transport remains relevant even with the entry of modern transportation in the running of the port.
“Let us hear them talk about and involve the donkeys of Lamu in matters transportation of various cargo at the port. We know we cannot do what heavy trucks can do but still, there is something we can do, our own small contribution to the transport sector at the port in our own small manner," Kidege said.
Lamu island alone has a population of more than 3000 donkeys.