•The abattoir will have capacity to process 1,000 goats, 200 cows and 100 camels daily.
•The facility is envisioned to transform the livestock production sector in Isiolo and its environs.
Image: Handout
Contractors in Isiolo have been put on notice over the completion of county projects.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo on Saturday directed contractors undertaking construction work at Isiolo abattoir, Isiolo Market and county headquarters to double their effort and complete the projects.
"The contractors working on these projects must complete all works by July for the residents to access and enjoy the services. Even if it means working day and night to beat the agreed deadline," Guyo said.
The governor said the export standard abattoir will soon open its doors to the international market to export beef and other products.
The main target is the Middle East where there is a ready market for meat from the region.
Guyo explained that operationalisation of the abattoir comes at a time when Kenya Airports Authority is also working on the extension of the runway at the Isiolo International Airport to facilitate the landing and taking off of large cargo and passenger planes.
He noted that beef and other meat products from Isiolo will soon be part of the menu in the international market, once both the abattoir and the airport are up and running.
The county executive for Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries Yussuf Mohamed said that with the installation of modern equipment and automation, the facility can slaughter more animals, 30 to 40 cattle per hour, 150 to 200 goats per hour and 30 camels in one hour.
He said that due to its position as the gateway to the Northern counties, it can tap supplies from neighbouring Samburu, Marsabit, Laikipia and Meru.
The facility is envisioned to transform the livestock production sector in Isiolo and its environs.
Yusuf added that the facility will also host a recreation centre, feed lots, animal screening areas and a pasture production field within the holding ground.
The abattoir operation is expected to run as a business enterprise through private sector involvement in order to sustain and keep it up and running.
The county government has engaged reputable international contractors to fast-track the completion of the work at Isiolo Abbatoir.
The project had been delayed for years due to inadequate funding both from the county and national government.
Guyo said redesigning work by a contractor from South Africa were underway to ensure the abattoir meets the required international standards before handing over to a private investor.
At least Sh1 billion has been pumped into the project that is set to join other abattoirs exporting meat to countries in the Middle East.
Governor Guyo said his manifesto has great plans to transform Isiolo into a great economic hub and under his leadership, his administration will focus on boosting the county’s economy.
Plans are underway to set up an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Isiolo.
He explained that due to the county’s location, an ICD will not only benefit the local community but also invite other counties to transact business in Isiolo.
"Isiolo is strategically located centrally, by putting the dry port there, the country will save up on transportation costs and the people of Isiolo will benefit immensely,” Guyo said.
The ICD will create job opportunities for residents hence addressing the issue of unemployment.