Isiolo export abattoir ready for commissioning after 17 years

The trial run was conducted by the Isiolo County Department of Livestock alongside technical experts and investors. The abattoir, whose construction began before the advent of devolution, was jointly funded by the national and county governments at a cost of approximately KSh 1 billion.

Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru confirmed that the trial was successful, saying the facility is technically ready to begin operations once officially commissioned.

According to the technical team, the modern facility can slaughter up to 2,900 animals in an eight-hour shift, including 300 head of cattle, 100 camels and 2,500 shoats (sheep and goats), making it one of the largest export-standard abattoirs in the region.

The team also assured residents that environmental concerns had been addressed. Bad odour will be controlled using a specialised bacteria-based treatment system, while wastewater will be recycled for agricultural use by the surrounding community as part of the project's corporate social responsibility.

Officials said the abattoir is now ready to receive livestock and is expected to create hundreds of jobs for residents while boosting the livestock value chain.

Livestock farmers have been encouraged to organise themselves into groups and cooperatives so they can supply enough animals to meet the expected local and international market demand.

The county government, led by Governor Abdi Guyo, was praised for accelerating the completion of the project. Officials said President William Ruto is expected to officially commission the abattoir soon, paving the way for meat exports to the Middle East and other international markets.