Isiolo leaders both at the county administration and national government, alongside development partners have convened in Isiolo to finalize preparations for the operationalization of the Isiolo Export Abattoir, ahead of a scheduled Presidential visit later this month.
The meeting, chaired by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Food Security and Animal Production, Dr. Dominic Menjo, alongside the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) National Project Coordinator, Mr. Ngeno, brought together representatives from targeted Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties to review progress made at the facility and coordinate stakeholder roles, ahead of President William Ruto’s visit on July 26, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Menjo said the Government remains committed to transforming the livestock sector through value addition and modernization of the livestock value chain.
“The Isiolo Export Abattoir is a strategic national investment that will fundamentally change the way Kenya participates in regional and international livestock markets. Our goal is to move away from exporting live animals and instead export high-value products such as processed
meat, leather, and other livestock products that can earn better returns for pastoralists and the country,” said Dr. Menjo.
He noted that the facility will serve as a major economic hub for northern Kenya and neighboring counties by creating employment opportunities, enhancing food security, and increasing household incomes among pastoral communities.
“The operationalization of this abattoir will unlock enormous economic opportunities for communities in ASAL regions. It will provide reliable markets for livestock farmers, stimulate growth in related industries, and contribute significantly to national economic development,” he added.
The stakeholders reviewed the current status of the export facility and discussed measures required to ensure smooth operations once the plant becomes fully functional. Participants also examined logistical arrangements and key deliverables expected during the forthcoming Presidential visit.
Ngeno emphasized the importance of collaboration among all actors involved in the livestock value chain, saying partnerships will be critical to the success of the project.
“The Food Systems Resilience Project continues to support interventions aimed at improving livestock productivity, strengthening market systems and building resilience among pastoral communities. The success of the Isiolo Export Abattoir will depend on strong collaboration between national government, county governments, private investors, cooperatives, and development partners,” said Ngeno.
He observed that the facility has the potential to position Kenya as a competitive supplier of quality livestock products in regional and global markets while improving livelihoods in pastoral areas.
The meeting further highlighted the Government’s plans to establish County Livestock Investment Companies across the 21 ASAL counties as part of broader efforts to commercialize livestock production and strengthen market access.
According to stakeholders, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 350,000 pastoralists through structured cooperative models that will improve access to livestock markets, veterinary services, fodder reserves, cold-chain infrastructure, and extension services.
Officials noted that over 2,000 agripreneurs will be engaged to provide technical support and advisory services aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing resilience against climate-related shocks that frequently affect pastoral communities.
County representatives welcomed the initiative, describing the Isiolo Export Abattoir as a transformative project that will strengthen livestock trade, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase returns for farmers across northern Kenya.
The Presidential visit scheduled for July 26 is expected to mark a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to operationalize the facility and accelerate the transformation of Kenya’s livestock sector into a globally competitive industry.
Once fully operational, the Isiolo Export Abattoir is expected to play a central role in advancing the Government’s agenda of value addition, job creation, food security, and sustainable economic growth while improving livelihoods for thousands of pastoral households across the ASAL regions.
By Absalom Namwalo
