Silverio Omari
The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has denounced the Nakuru County Government’s plans to shut down the multi-million-shilling Naivasha slaughterhouse to make way for an affordable housing project and a stadium.
In a statement released on Friday, KVA Chairperson Dr. Kelvin Osore called the proposed closure “a slap in the face of government efforts to turbo-charge industrialization.”
Dr. Osore emphasized that the Naivasha slaughterhouse, built with support from the Danish government, is a vital source of income for about 2,000 workers and indirectly supports over 10,000 families. “The KVA strongly opposes the decision to dismantle this essential facility without providing adequate alternatives and considering the livelihoods of those affected. The slaughterhouse is not only a unique investment in the region but also the primary source of safe meat for Naivasha town and surrounding institutions, including hotels and the local prison,” the statement reads.
He added, “For a country grappling with a poor economy, food insecurity, protein malnutrition, and food safety issues, closing a facility that was established to address these concerns is short-sighted. Data shows that about 4.4 million Kenyans are facing acute food insecurity.”
The association highlighted a lack of clarity in the relocation plans by the Nakuru County Government, led by Governor Susan Kihika, and questioned the reasoning behind shutting down the slaughterhouse.
Dr. Osore warned that closing the facility would have severe negative impacts on workers and residents. “These plans also risk exposing the public to uninspected meat, leading to food-borne infections and the consumption of ungazetted animals such as donkeys,” he said.
Local leaders have also criticized the move. Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja called it illegal and inhumane during a visit to the facility last week. Karanja stated she would petition the Senate to intervene, noting that the facility is unique in the area and the sole meat source for Naivasha town and numerous institutions nearby.
Senator Karanja reassured the community that the slaughterhouse would not be demolished. “This land occupies 55 acres. This section you’re in is 15 acres. The remaining 40 acres can accommodate the stadium. The Nakuru stadium occupies 23 acres, so there is more than enough space. Even if it’s the county government, they should respect all investments.”
“This investment supports over 10,000 families and supplies meat to hotels and even the local prison. We will resist the displacement of people for affordable housing, as we cannot allow it,” she said.
Dj Vnyash
