Kenyan cat enthusiasts are up in arms over a proposed “cat tax” in Nairobi.
The Nairobi City County’s plan requires cat owners to register their pets, pay an annual fee of 200 Kenyan shillings (about $1.50), and provide proof of rabies vaccination.
The proposal also mandates that owners control their cats’ behavior and confine them when in heat, aiming to enhance animal welfare but facing backlash from locals.
Critics argue that the tax is impractical given the large number of stray cats and question its enforceability.
Naomi Mutua, a prominent cat lover, supports mandatory vaccinations but doubts the bill’s effectiveness.
Emma Ngugi from the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals supports the intent but suggests that low-cost veterinary services and mass sterilization would be more effective solutions.
A public consultation is scheduled for Friday, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the bill, which could lead to further revisions.