KENYA – The Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) has issued a stern warning regarding the rampant sale of uninspected meat in informal settlements, particularly in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
Reports indicate that meat from donkeys and wildlife is being sold to unsuspecting residents, raising significant food safety concerns.
Dr. Benson Kibore, a spokesperson for KVB, highlighted the serious risks posed by the consumption of uninspected meat, emphasizing the potential threat to the nation’s food security.
“A single case of infected meat could have devastating consequences, leading to mass fatalities,” said Kibore during a stakeholders’ workshop in Naivasha. He further revealed that over 50% of Nairobi’s population resides in informal settlements, where this unregulated meat often finds its way.
The situation has been exacerbated by the issuance of fake permits by unqualified individuals, including retired veterinary officers, complicating the ongoing crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses. Kibore recounted a recent operation in Kedong, Kajiado, where authorities rescued over 1,000 donkeys destined for illegal slaughter.
Dr. Allen Azegele from the Department of Livestock echoed these concerns, noting that informal settlements have become primary markets for uninspected meat. Azegele emphasized the department’s collaboration with stakeholders and NGOs to combat the illegal trade, which endangers the lives of many Kenyans.
Nairobi County’s response and wider implications
In response to the escalating crisis, Nairobi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi announced the Rapid Result Initiative’s efforts to curb the sale of illegal meat, particularly donkey meat, which is prevalent in the city.
Amid these developments, the Nakuru County Government is facing backlash over its plans to shut down the Naivasha slaughterhouse, a multi-million-shilling facility that plays a vital role in the local economy.
The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has strongly condemned the proposed closure, arguing that it jeopardizes the livelihoods of approximately 2,000 workers and indirectly supports over 10,000 families.
KVA’s statement to the press described the move as a setback to government efforts to drive industrialization, noting that slaughterhouses are crucial for both production and processing.
The association alleged that the closure is intended to pave the way for other government projects, which have sparked significant opposition among local leaders and the community.
“The Naivasha slaughterhouse is not only a unique investment in the region but also a primary source of safe meat for Naivasha town and surrounding institutions,” KVA stated.
The association warned that closing the facility would expose the public to uninspected meat, increasing the risk of food-borne illnesses and the consumption of ungazetted animals such as donkeys.
KVA also criticized the closure in light of Kenya’s ongoing struggles with food insecurity, protein malnutrition, and food safety issues. The association highlighted data showing that about 4.4 million Kenyans are facing acute food insecurity, and a 2017 UNICEF report revealed that a quarter of children under five are stunted.
Call for public involvement in Livestock Bill 2024 debate
The KVA also addressed the ongoing debate over the Livestock Bill 2024, calling for public participation and scrutiny of the bill’s clauses. The association plans to hold a public forum to gather feedback and ensure the bill reflects the interests of all stakeholders.
“We urge the public to be cautious of middlemen and brokers who may seek to undermine the bill’s intended gains,” KVA said, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the welfare of the livestock sector and safeguarding public health.
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