Kachapin emphasied on the economic value of the project and pointed out that it will be a key project in his agenda.
“I ask all those involved in the project to fast-track its completion and implementation for residents to start benefiting from the project,” he said.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has assured residents the Nasukuta export abattoir will be fully operational by early next year.
In April it was operating at 60 per cent capacity.
The Sh78 million project is funded by European Union through its Instruments for Devolution Advice and Support (Ideas) programme, the national government and G West Pokot. It is expected provide a ready market for pastoralists and help fight poverty in the semi-arid region.
Speaking after touring the plant together with representatives from the World Bank, the governor said his administration will ensure the project is operational and asked those involved to fast-track the process.
Kachapin emphasied on the economic value of the project and said it will be a out that it will be a key project in his agenda.
“I ask all those involved in the project to fast-track its completion and implementation for residents to start benefiting," he said.
He said the county will seek advice from experts and investors in livestock export markets to see the project is completed and achieves its purpose.
“My administration will seek advice across the board to ensure that our meat meets international standards and eliminate middlemen who export farmers,” he said.
The governor said farmers have been exploited by middlemen for a long time and assured residents the abattoir will help increase their income.
“The abattoir will further enhance livestock trade and improve income for pastoralists as well as plough back profits to improve the welfare of the local community,” he said.
The was officially opened this year in April when Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa and was set to start at 60 per cent capacity for cattle, sheep and goats.
The target was to slaughter 18,720 cattle and 56,160 sheep and goats in a year.
Resident Moses Kapelewo said,"We were optimistic the plant would be operational last year. The government should ensure this project is operational to help solve unemployment and increase residents income of residents,” he said.
He said currently they are selling their livestock to middlemen who later resell their animals at abnormally high profits in urban centres,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)