Government to construct livestock facility in Lamu County

Plans are at an advanced stage to construct a special facility to handle livestock, meat products and fishing in Lamu county.

Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the government has also constructed the Lamu port in northern Kenya to enhance trade with the northern frontier and improve intra-Africa trade.

He said the export of live animals to Oman has been ongoing in Lamu since last year providing a ready market for farmers.

“The Government in conjunction with the County governments of Isiolo, Lamu and Tana River is constructing one of the biggest slaughterhouses,” he pointed out.

Ruto confirmed a huge piece of land has been set aside for animal improvement before being slaughtered and shipped.

The remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by KPA General Manager Operation Sudi Mwasingo during the kick-start event for development of a master plan to facilitate shift from air-freight to sea freight for fresh products witnessed at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county.

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The KPA MD said in his speech that it’s important to give utmost support to the program on trade for economic development in the country and the region.

Ruto added that to complement the effort and ensure ease of doing business KPA has implemented several initiatives.

He pointed out the installation of a total of 1,131 reefer points around the port of Mombasa and Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD).

“Where the reefercontainers are plugged awaiting loading. These are distributed as 336 in ICD Nairobi, 288 at the first container terminal, 255 at phase 1 of the second container terminal and 252 at phase 2 of the second container terminal,” he pointed out.