Role, ownership and presence of domestic animals in peri-urban households of Kisumu, Kenya

In peri-urban informal settlements in LMICs, animal husbandry remains a valuable source of income and protein-rich foods but may also present a risk of zoonotic disease threat. This cross-sectional survey assessed the geographical, sociocultural and economic factors behind the presence, ownership and purpose of domestic animals in three informal peri-urban communities of Kisumu, Kenya. The research demonstrates the high prevalence of animal ownership in a low-income and high-density peri-urban neighbourhood of Kisumu, which may facilitate zoonotic disease transmission. Further research should assess if and to what extent animal ownership in such communities is associated with disease risk.