Kenya eyes export slaughterhouse amid KMC privatization talks

Kenya eyes export slaughterhouse amid KMC privatization talks

The government will set up the first export slaughterhouse in a move geared at boosting income for livestock farmers.

The move will see the Djibouti government set up a subsidiary of the Djibouti Regional Quarantine Centre (DRQC) to provide technical support, facilitate international livestock export, capacity building, training and the establishment of livestock laboratories.

The unit will also be used to set up arrangements with contract farmers.

Speaking at State House during a meeting with the DRQC officials, President Uhuru Kenyatta said livestock farming should return to its past glory days.

“We used to do well in this livestock industry in the early 1970’s, unfortunately due to mismanagement, it collapsed,” President Kenyatta said.

The country will commence with the exportation of live animals to the international market in what the head of state hopes will reinvigorate livestock farmers.

“My vision is to revive this important sector. My main interest is that the farmer and herder of livestock get got prices for their animals,” he stressed.

The deal comes even as the government steps up the privatization process for the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC).

Through the privatization commission, the state is seeking transaction advisors for the privatization of the state run meat packing company in a bid to make it more competitive.

According to the Privatization Commission, a strategic investor would be able to address KMC’s future viability by injecting much needed expertise and funding.

Re-opened in 2006, KMC has struggled financially limiting its capacity in adequately addressing off take of livestock from farmers.

The government has been toying with the idea of creating a separate livestock marketing authority to revive the livestock sector

Tags:

meat farming KMC export privatization Djibouti Regional Quarantine Centre kenya meat commission livestock

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories