Auction of dogs and cats thrives at Lubao market

It is a Thursday morning and tens of traders, some of them hauling dogs, throng the Lubao Market in Kakamega County.

Other traders bring in farm produce.

But what is more captivating in the otherwise ordinary market, which is surrounded by the beautiful Kakamega Forest — the only tropical rain forest in Kenya — is the trade in cats and dogs.

The market is segmented to suit the demands of buyers and sellers in what is considered the biggest dog fair in East and Central Africa.

On the northern part of the main market, dogs are sold along with cows, goats and sheep with the southern part reserved for retail and wholesale businesses. Lubao is located approximately six kilometres from Kakamega town.

Mr Patrick Lumumba Mbogani, a resident of Lubao, says the market was started in early 1950s and derives its name from several sign posts erected in the area to show directions to neighbouring market centres.

“Way back in the 1950s, there were so many timber businesses at the market, which contributed to its name. Around 1972, Lubao rose to become one of the biggest markets famous for dog auction apart from the traditional sale of cattle, goats, sheep and chicken among other merchandise,” Mr Mbogani told the Nation team on a tour of the market.

According to Mbogani, the dogs brought at the market are mainly for sale.

“People bring dogs from the neighbouring towns like Webuye, Eldoret, Kapsabet, and Kitale and as far as Burnt Forest for sale. On a good market day, more than 100 dogs are sold here,” he said.

Mr Mbogani, who also deals in the business said that many people prefer buying male dogs than female dogs for security purposes.

Mbogani also noted that in the month of October, the dog business is at its peak with the market hosting over 300 dogs per market day.

“Dogs, especially the male ones, provide security to most families in the region. Prices range from Sh800 to Sh1,500. But when there is scarcity, the dogs cost between Sh1,500 to Sh2,000,” Mr Mbogani said, noting that the price of dogs also depends on their “beauty” and breed.

Mr Protus Muhanji Senji, the chairman of Lubao Market Business Association, said the dog business has grown since inception. Most travellers using the road make a stopover to visit the market.
However, Mr Senji cited long distances as one of the main challenges facing dog traders who are now in thousands.

Most of the dogs sold at the market are the traditional breeds and it is rare to spot an exotic dog on sale in the market day.

Mr Michael Otiato, who has been in the business for the past 30 years, observed that sometimes when a foreigner pays a visit to the market, he or she will be surprised on how money exchange hands between the buyer and seller.

On most occasions, a “dog auction” happens with the least bidder losing to the highest one. This makes him to contest for another dog praying that more than two bidders are in need of the same dog.

From a tender age, Mr Otiato explains that he has come to agree with the belief that dogs are loyal, intelligent, devoted and affectionate. Besides, they are incredibly rewarding by providing the most trusted security for its master.

“The value of a dog is determined by its age. The old ones are cheap while the middle aged are expensive,” said Mr Otiato.