Construction delays that kept the Sh1 billion Isiolo Export Abattoir idle for nearly two decades have finally come to an end, with the facility now ready to begin operations after passing its final trial ahead of its official launch.
The project is expected to open a new market for livestock farmers, strengthen Kenya's meat exports and breathe life into one of the country's biggest investments in the livestock sector.
The export abattoir successfully underwent its final test on Friday, when dozens of cattle, goats and camels were slaughtered to assess the performance of its automated equipment before the facility is officially commissioned by President William Ruto next week.
The project was jointly financed by the national and Isiolo county governments. Isiolo County invested Sh538 million, while the national government contributed Sh451 million towards the construction of the facility.
The abattoir forms part of a larger 500,000-acre livestock hub that is expected to include disease-free zones, feedlots and animal holding grounds to support livestock production and trade.
Isiolo Chief Officer for Livestock Godana Dida said the facility has the capacity to process about 300 cattle, 100 camels and 2,500 sheep and goats during an eight-hour shift, placing it among the country's largest meat processing plants.
Project manager James Munyoki said the facility has been developed to meet international standards, allowing Kenya to compete in premium export markets.
He added that the abattoir meets global food safety and meat processing requirements, making it one of the most advanced export meat processing facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project also includes systems designed to reduce environmental impact during operations.
Wastewater management expert Lucy Murira said more than two million litres of wastewater will be treated every day before being recycled for irrigation through a biological treatment system that removes foul odours.
Even as the facility prepares to start full operations, officials say a reliable supply of livestock will determine how well it performs.
Dida said Isiolo County cannot supply enough animals to meet the plant's full processing capacity and disclosed that discussions are ongoing with neighbouring pastoral counties to build dependable livestock supply networks.
The abattoir is expected to receive livestock from across northern Kenya, where there are more than three million cattle, over 12.9 million sheep and goats, and more than three million camels.
Isiolo Livestock Association chairman Mohamed Wario said the project will create fresh opportunities for livestock keepers while encouraging investment in feed production and feedlots to guarantee animals throughout the year.
The launch comes as the government continues implementing wider reforms aimed at improving the livestock industry.
President Ruto recently announced plans to establish County Livestock Investment Companies in all 21 arid and semi-arid counties to improve market access, veterinary services, fodder production and cold-chain infrastructure.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is also piloting the Animal Identification and Traceability system, which is linked to the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System, to improve livestock traceability and help Kenya access high-value international markets.