The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered the closure of popular eastlands Kiamako slaughterhouses.
In a statement on Friday, March 8, NEMA said that the move followed a court order issued on July 28, 2022.
Consequently, the government is withdrawing all its services offered to the slaughterhouses including the Veterinary Services of meat inspection, public health services, and issuance of Single business permits.
Additionally, the statement indicated that government would also withdraw services offered by the Nairobi water and sewerage company.
“In compliance with this court order, the multiagency team agreed to withdraw all the Government services offered to Kiamaiko Slaughterhouses especially,
“The Veterinary Services of meat inspection, public health services, and issuance of Single business permits offered by the Nairobi City County and the services offered by the Nairobi water and sewerage company,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Suspects who Slaughter Donkeys, Transport Meat to Nairobi, Kiambu Markets Arrested
NEMA Details Reason for the Closure
According to NEMA, the decision to close the slaughterhouses was informed by concerns about the handling of blood and offal.
Additionally, the authority stated that the butchers did not follow the water quality regulations that determine wastewater discharge.
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“This will paralyze the entire slaughtering of goats at the slaughter slab due to illegality of current operations,” added the statement.
Further, NEMA clarified that the move was not meant to stop the trade of meat or interfere with operation of the butcheries.
“Despite ongoing negotiations dating back to 2013, which aimed to facilitate the relocation of operations to a licensed site by March 31, 2022 in Njiru, Nairobi-they have not yet complied with this.
“Rather, the focus is squarely on addressing the specific deficiencies observed within the slaughterhouse facilities themselves which degrade the environment,” explained NEMA.
Also Read: How Rogue County Officials Make Millions from Meat Inspection in Nairobi- EACC
EACC Arrests officials Over Kiamaiko
Earlier in February, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested a Nairobi County Government Official working as a Meat Inspection Officer at Kiamaiko.
EACC revealed that the suspect deployed as a meat inspector at the Kariobangi Slaughterhouse was arrested after demanding a Ksh15,000 bribe from a trader.
“EACC has arrested one Moses Gachanja Gachuki, a Nairobi County Official deployed as a Meat Inspector at Kariobangi Slaughterhouse who demanded a bribe of Kes. 15,000 as a condition for inspecting the complainant’s slaughtered goats,” read part of the statement.
The arrest took place after the complainant refused to give in to the extortion bid and instead reported the matter to EACC.
