The National and County Governments will partner in implementing the multimillion Nasukuta modern Abattoir in West Pokot County.
The construction of the abattoir nearing completion started 2010 the European Union, National and County Governments will enable cattle keepers in the region to sell meat with good prices.
Nasukuta Shs 178 million Abattoir was established as part of the Economic Stimulus Programme to support livestock development and its key value chains to improve agro- pastoralist incomes.
Through a memorandum by the County Government to the Agriculture cabinet Secretary, the two Governments are looking for an investor to run the abattoir.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi who spoke in Kapenguria on Friday said the modern facility will boost animal production through exportation of meat products from the region and increase the county’s income thus a major economic boost in the livestock sector in the region.
‘We shall partner with the County Government and make sure the abattoir works. The slaughter house needs cows, goats and meat. We need to improve the economy of the area,’ he said.
He said the ministry is also digitizing farmer’s records to avoid cases of double registration of farmers who have land in different counties.
He revealed that the ministry is also working closely with the County government to deliver the subsidized fertilizer closer to farmers.
“We have put in place measures to promote agriculture. “Agriculture is the backbone of the Country and the economy depends on it. We need to improve agribusiness,” he said
The CS noted that the Kenya Kwanza government is keen on improving food security in the Country through subsidy programs.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said the Nasukuta abattoir will create employment to residents in the region.
Mr Kachapin termed the Nasukuta Project ‘a game changer’ that will transform the livelihoods of the people of West Pokot.
With the county’s initiatives to improve livestock breeds across the county, Mr Kachapin said that the factory couldn’t have come to fruition at a better time.
“With the commissioning of Nasukuta factory, farmers will now be cushioned against exploitative markets and their livestock will go forward, fetch competitive prices,” said the governor.
Mr Kachapin pointed out that the County government has set up milk and Mango factories in Lelan and Sigor areas and will partner with the national Government to change the county.
