Isiolo export abattoir set for operationalization as gov’t eyes growth in livestock exports

The Abattoir that had stalled for years was a project of the national government and has since received a boost from the county government. 

Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo held a meeting on Tuesday, with the aim of commissioning the project with significant changes to meet the required export guidelines.

“The former structure, which was done by the national government, was not up to the standard and it was not able to meet the export expectation. It was a complete overhaul of the whole construction, there was addition of cold rooms, there was addition of internal space which now can accommodate around 2400 sheep's slaughtering per day, 300 cattle, and 100 camels,” said Godana.

The Abattoir, valued at approximately Ksh.1 billion, has been designed to enhance value addition, improve market access and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in regional and international meat export markets.

The county government of Isiolo now says that the modern facility is ready for operation and is expected to serve livestock-producing counties across northern Kenya. 

The facility is expected to create employment opportunities, boost incomes for livestock farmers and pastoralist communities, and stimulate economic growth across the region. 

It will also play a key role in improving livestock value chains by meeting international processing and export standards.

The operationalization of the Isiolo Export Abattoir is also expected to position Isiolo as a leading livestock processing and export hub, reinforcing the government's commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector while enhancing food security, increasing exports, and improving livelihoods in Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions.