Written By Lisa Murimi
Nairobi’s latest proposal to regulate the city’s feline population has stirred controversy among cat enthusiasts.
The Nairobi City County is considering a new law that would require all cat owners to register their pets and pay an annual license fee of 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.50).
Owners would also need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and ensure their cats do not disturb the peace, particularly during mating season.
Dubbed a “cat-astrophe” by some, the proposed bill aims to improve animal welfare but has been met with skepticism.
Critics argue that the licensing and behavioral requirements, such as confining cats on heat, are impractical and may exacerbate issues with stray and feral cats.
Recent public backlash against government taxes, including a recently withdrawn finance bill, has fueled resistance to the idea.
Naomi Mutua, a prominent cat advocate in Nairobi, supports mandatory rabies vaccinations but questions the feasibility of enforcing such regulations.
She suggests that improving care standards and introducing low-cost veterinary services would be more effective. The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) shares this view, noting that the bill might drive some owners to abandon their pets.
A public consultation is set to begin this Friday, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on the bill. In the meantime, Nairobi’s cat lovers continue to debate the proposal, with some resorting to humor and poetry to express their concerns.
