Butchers at work at the Isiolo abattoir. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
The long-awaited Isiolo Export Abattoir is edging closer to opening after successfully completing comprehensive test runs of its camel, cattle and goats processing lines, marking a major milestone ahead of its planned commissioning.
The successful tests form part of the final commissioning process aimed at confirming that the facility's equipment is operating as designed before commercial operations begin.
Representatives from MANCINI S.p.A., the Italian company that supplied the processing equipment, are currently on site conducting final inspections and operational assessments.
The exercise includes testing conveyor systems, processing lines and other automated equipment to ensure they meet the required operational and technical standards.
The abattoir, one of Isiolo County's biggest investments in livestock value addition, is expected to transform the region's livestock sector by boosting processing capacity, creating jobs and opening up new markets once it becomes operational.
During an inspection tour of the facility, Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru urged residents, particularly livestock traders, to prepare to supply enough livestock to meet the plant's processing capacity.
"So the people who are in Marti, Oleniro, Sericho, Kina, and here in Central, as we are recognising them, we would also like to appeal to them, let us prepare ourselves to meet the demand of this place," Boru said.
He said the project has remained a key priority under the administration of Governor Abdi Guyo.
Isiolo Butchers Association chairman Naftaly Kiambi welcomed the progress, saying traders were eager to begin using the modern facility.
"This project is a significant investment in livestock processing infrastructure not only for Isiolo County, but the wider Northern Kenya region. It will go a long way in expanding value addition, improving market access and supporting economic activity across the livestock sector," he said.
According to the project's specifications, the facility is designed to process up to 300 cattle, 100 camels and 1,000 shoats during a standard eight-hour shift.
The expanded capacity is expected to provide livestock producers with a larger local market while enabling value addition before meat products are supplied to domestic and export markets.
For years, many livestock keepers in Northern Kenya have sold their animals for processing outside the region. County officials say the new facility will help retain more value locally by supporting meat processing, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the livestock value chain.
The county also expects the abattoir to unlock access to export markets, including destinations in the Middle East, once all regulatory and market requirements are met.
The project has also achieved another milestone with the installation of a 630 KVA ground-mounted transformer to provide a stable electricity supply for processing operations, refrigeration systems and other critical equipment required for export-standard meat production.
With equipment testing now in its final stages, the county says the abattoir is on course for commissioning and will begin operations once all systems have been verified and regulatory approvals secured.
Butchers at work at the Isiolo abattoir. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Camels being slaughtered at the new Isiolo abattoir
during the testing./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Camels ready for slaughter at the Isiolo abattoir./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Butchers at work at the Isiolo abattoir. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
