You are here Home » National » Governor Guyo Ends 16-years wait for Isiolo Modern Abattoir

Governor Guyo Ends 16-years wait for Isiolo Modern Abattoir

Isiolo County is strategically located, bordering Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu. It has a population of 245,462, with an estimated 58,072 households (KNBS, 2019). The livestock sector is the main economic activity, supporting about 80% of the population either directly or indirectly. The county’s major livestock includes cattle, goats, sheep, and camels.

According to the 2019 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) census, Isiolo County has nearly one million goats, 248,577 cattle, 854,725 sheep, and 148,859 camels. Out of the total households, 24,271 engage in livestock or agricultural activities.

The county’s livestock production is shaped by three ecological zones. The semi-arid areas of Wabera, Bulla Pesa, and parts of Kinna support agro-pastoralism. These areas produce much-needed fodder for livestock breeders. The arid regions of Oldonyiro, Ngaeremara, Burat, Garbatulla, and parts of Kinna host a significant number of animals. The severely arid zones, including Chari, Cherab, parts of Oldonyiro, and Sericho, also play a vital role in livestock production. With proper irrigation, fodder production can be increased to sustain animals during dry seasons. The high number of livestock presents a great opportunity for beef production.

The Isiolo Modern Abattoir is a crucial development that will boost the livestock and agricultural sector. To improve livestock quality, the county has embraced modern breeding techniques. Farmers are now using Artificial Insemination (AI) to enhance meat quality and livestock weight. Additionally, ranches and conservancies provide fattening services and AI technology. The county government is also setting up an AI plant to support local breeders.

The abattoir will provide a stable market for livestock. It will link local and external traders, increasing revenue for the county. The facility will serve Isiolo, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu as a central meat processing hub. It has an annual processing capacity of 270,000 animals. Each month, it will handle 23,040 animals—19,200 small stock and 3,840 large stock. The facility is expected to process 1,000 tonnes of meat for export to the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and local markets.

Governor Guyo has prioritized the project to create jobs for thousands of youths and increase revenue. He has allocated 125 acres for livestock fattening to ensure a steady supply of animals. The facility sits on 500,000 acres, featuring a feedlot, a disease-free zone, and a livestock receiving yard.

President William Ruto is set to commission the facility this week. Governor Guyo deserves credit for ensuring its completion after a 16-year wait. He also lobbied for the expansion of Isiolo International Airport. The national government secured Ksh. 14 billion from Afriexim Bank to modernize the airport. This upgrade will allow freighters to land, facilitating meat exports.

Isiolo County is on the path to economic transformation. Improved roads, a modern airport, and an international-standard abattoir will create jobs and boost trade. The people of Isiolo and northern Kenya will benefit from these developments. Governor Guyo remains committed to ending marginalization and unlocking the region’s potential.

(Ali Edin is a socio-political commentator from Isiolo.)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content