The County Government of Nakuru has embarked on a program to renovate and modernize slaughterhouses in the region to upscale capacity and enhance food quality and safety measures. The region has over 80 slaughterhouses where only 5 are owned and operated by the County and located within urban centres. The rest are owned and managed by businessmen and ranchers. ]
Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Enos Amuyunzu said the move was also aimed at creating room for other essential amenities within central business districts in urban areas. Dr Amuyunzu was speaking during an inspection tour of an upcoming KShs.15 million modern slaughterhouse at Mirera in Hells Gate Ward, Naivasha sub-County. The facility upon completion is expected to accommodate butchers from the Naivasha Slaughterhouse near Buffalo Mall to pave way for the construction of 2,400 units of affordable houses. Over 100 heads of cattle and over 200 small animals will be slaughtered per day according to the county government.
The County will also construct an auction yard in the vicinity to enhance livestock trade in the area the facility’s project implementation committee chairman, Mr John Ngigi said the project will create employment among local youth, who mostly depend on fishing activities.
At the same time, the County Government of Nakuru has embarked on a livestock vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth, Lumpy Skin Disease and Rabies to create disease-free zones. The County is also mulling at establishing a tannery under the manufacturing and food security economic agenda to enrich the livestock sector value chain.
