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After 17 years, Isiolo's Sh1bn abattoir roars to life
The Isiolo abbatoir, whose construction started in 2007, is now complete following years of delay.
The Sh1 billion Isiolo abattoir is set to open its doors for the first time since construction started 17 years ago, after a successful test run on Friday.
Dozens of cattle, goats and camels were slaughtered at the facility on Friday to test the effectiveness of the automated systems and equipment ahead of commissioning by President William Ruto next week.
Construction of the abattoir commenced in 2009 with the county government spending Sh538 million and the national government contributing Sh451 million.
It sits on 500,000 acres of land which will comprise a disease-free zone, feedlots and animal receiving yards.
The Isiolo abattoir whose construction started in 2007 is now complete.
Speaking after the test run, Isiolo Livestock Chief Officer Godana Dida said the slaughterhouse will comfortably handle about 300 cattle, 100 camels, and 2,500 sheep and goats in an eight-hour shift.
Project manager James Munyoki said the abattoir has been built to international standards to tap into the export market.
“Isiolo Abattoir is one of the most modern abattoirs in Sub-Saharan Africa, only comparable to one in Morocco. We have adhered to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Association of Meat Handlers’ guidelines," Mr Munyoki said.
According to Dr Lucy Murira, a waste water management expert, the facility will recycle more than 2 million liters of waste water daily.
“The waste water management system incorporates bacteria that eliminate bad odour. Our waste water will be reused for irrigation. The waste water area will also have recreation facilities,” Ms Murira said.
Isiolo livestock chief officer said the completion of the export abattoir poses an animal and feed supply challenge for livestock keepers in Isiolo and neighbouring counties.
“With a capacity of about 3,000 animals per day, Isiolo alone will not meet the supply. We are mobilising our neighboring counties to map the supply area. With teamwork from the northern region and the neighboring counties, we will be able to meet the demand,” Mr Dida said.
The abattoir will depend on neighboring pastoralist counties which host more than 3 million heads of beef cattle, over 12.9 million sheep and goats and over 3 million camels.
The Isiolo abattoir.
According to Isiolo Livestock Association chairman Mohamed Wario, the abattoir creates an opportunity for feed production.
“Livestock keepers are very happy that the long wait is now over and that we have a big market for our animals. I urge our young people to also take advantage and establish feedlots to serve the abattoir. This is a game changer in the region,” Mr Wario said.
The completion of the abattoir comes days after President Ruto announced plans to establish County Livestock Investment Companies in all 21 arid and semi-arid counties.
The initiative aims to support more than 350,000 pastoralists through cooperative structures designed to improve access to markets, veterinary services, fodder reserves, cold-chain facilities and extension services.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is also piloting a livestock traceability system aimed at enabling Kenya to access premium markets.
The system, dubbed Animal Identification and Traceability (ANITRAC) system, linked to the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS) is being piloted as parliament works on Animal Identification and Traceability Bill 2026.
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