This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
September 23, 2019, Nairobi - The Kiamaiko slaughterhouse in Nairobi's Eastlands area has been operating without a valid license for three weeks, sparking concerns about the safety of meat from the facility.
The Nairobi County government revealed that it has not renewed the abattoir's license due to poor sanitation standards, which have been a long-standing issue.
City Hall Agriculture executive Pauline Kahiga stated that the slaughterhouse has identified a new location in Ruai where it will be relocating, but in the meantime, renovations are underway.
However, the County's Chief Officer for Water Mohamed Abdi emphasized that the abattoir has not complied with the requisite sanitation standards, and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has not issued any licenses to the slaughterhouses.
Dr. Muhari Muriithi, the City Hall Director of Veterinary Services, noted that the slaughterhouse's sanitation standard cannot be improved, and relocation is the only viable option.
He cited the lack of an efficient effluent system, proper entry and exit points, and the facility's location in a densely populated area as major concerns.
Imara Daima MCA Kennedy Obuya, a member of the County Agriculture committee, stated that the committee had recommended retaining Kiamaiko as a market with the slaughterhouse relocated to another area, but this has not been implemented.
Water Committee chairman Paul Kados questioned why the slaughterhouse was still operating despite not meeting the required standards.
This is not the first time the slaughterhouse has faced criticism for its sanitation standards. Last year, the National Environmental Management Agency (Nema) closed down all slaughterhouses in Kiamaiko for failing to comply with regulations, especially the management of solid and liquid waste.
