The government through the National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (NEMA) has initiated plans to shut down Kiamaiko slaughterhouses in Nairobi.
The move to shut down the Eastlands-based slaughterhouse follows a court order issued on July 28, 2022, which mandates the cessation of operations at these facilities.
In compliance with this court order, the multiagency team agreed to withdraw all the government services offered to Kiamaiko Slaughter Houses especially, the Veterinary Services of meat inspection, public health services, and issuance of Single business permits offered by the Nairobi City County and the services offered by the Nairobi water and sewerage company.
This will paralyze the entire slaughtering of goats at the slaughter slab due to the illegality of current operations.
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"The decision to enforce closure stems from longstanding concerns regarding the handling of blood and offal, as well as the improper treatment of wastewater discharge, as outlined in the Water Quality Regulations of 2006," NEMA's statement read in part.
According to NEMA, the slaughterhouses failed to comply with the plans which were aimed at relocating them to other licensed sites by March 31, 2022, in Njiru.
"It is essential to clarify that the intention behind these enforcement measures is not to impede the legitimate trade of meat or the operation of butcheries. Rather, the focus is squarely on addressing the specific deficiencies observed within the slaughterhouse facilities themselves which degrade the environment," NEMA clarified.
"By taking decisive action in this regard, the multi-agency team seeks to uphold environmental and health standards while ensuring the welfare of both consumers and the broader community."
The move is set to render thousands of traders jobless.
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