Residents of Marsabit County will have to wait longer for the completion of the ultra-modern Segel abattoir after Governor Mohammed Ali faulted the decision by the previous administration over the location of the stalled abattoir.
Speaking during his state of the County address, the County boss faulted the former regime of failing to meet the required standards and specifications for a modern abattoir.
He added that the location of the abattoir was not convenient and would cause insurmountable operational difficulty.
“A review of the available documents revealed that the proposed site did not meet any of the requirements, standards and specifications for the establishment of a modern abattoir. Neither the guidelines by UN FAO, nor the specifications of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for siting of an Abattoir were followed.” Governor Ali said.
He added that works at the abattoir had been stopped in order to allow for extensive studies aimed at assessing operational viability of the Marsabit abattoir in the proposed location.
“It beats all conventional logics why critical location requirements such as; ready availability of water; constant supply of electricity; proper access to tarmac road; proximity to LAPSET corridor and suitability for livestock holding ground were all ignored. Under the circumstances, we found it necessary to exercise extra prudence prior to any further investment of public resource toward this facility.” The county boss added.
According to the previous regime led by Labor CS Ukur Yatani, the Sh200 million abattoir was expected to boost the livestock sector through the supply of quality meat to other parts of the country and international markets.
