Majority of homeowners love their pets, as companions and part of their families. This relationship has deepened over the years and has been passed over to new generations, to experience the joys of owning a pet in their homes. 

However, the majority of pet lovers and owners were in for a rude awakening when they found out they have to pay for a licence to own a cat, in Nairobi county.

This is according to proposals contained in the Nairobi City County Animal Control and Welfare Bill 2024 introduced in the County Assembly which addresses various aspects of animal care, control, and welfare, aiming to create a harmonious coexistence between residents and animals.

The contents of the Bill that will affect cat ownership in Nairobi County include, but not limited to:

• Cat’s to be licensed.

• Deadline and expiry of the licence 

• Replacement of the licence.

• Change of ownership 

• General requirements for kennels [ for those intending to rear cats commercially]

• Cat disturbance in the neighbourhood.

In Summary;

Cat owners will have to part with 200 shillings for each cat they own, and they will have to renew the licence annually. Any kitten above 3 months old will have to be vaccinated against rabies at least once a year. 

The owner will have to ensure and provide proof that he/she has premises to house the cat, when they make the application of the licence to the County Government of Nairobi.

In case of loss of the licence, a replacement licence or licence tag may be issued upon payment of the fee of shillings one hundred or as specified in the current Finance Act.

With the bill set to undergo public participation on August 2nd 2024, before approval by Governor Sakaja, are you willing to price the love for your cat?