By Nicholas Anyuor

The County Government of Migori has set aside more than Sh19 million for the construction of slaughterhouses to reduce exportation of live animals from the county that is said to have affected livestock production and revenue collection from the sector.

Governor Zachary Okoth Obado, while launching the construction of Sh19-million Karamu slaughterhouse in Kuria West Sub County, said that many livestock traders transport live animals to far counties across the country because the county had not established well its own slaughterhouses.

“Why do we have to ferry our livestock to other counties while we can slaughter here? This is why my government will ensure more slaughterhouses are built so that our youth get employed and we collect more revenue as a government,” he said.

He said more funds have been set aside for t the construction of slaughterhouses in Karamu in Kuria West and Nyasare in Suna East sub counties as a move also aimed at reducing the spread of livestock diseases that may destroy source of livelihoods.

“We shall also expand the industry by using bones and blood in formulation of livestock feed and also in making of ornaments, bone carvings. Establishment of slaughterhouses will also create job opportunities for the youth and livestock traders,” he said.

The County boss added his government will further ensure effective extension and clinical services are adequately offered and engaged staff to provide necessary services to improve performance of the county in the livestock industry.

“We have more plans to construct another slaughterhouse in Nyatike Sub County and plans are underway to rehabilitate cattle dips to enhance control of livestock parasites and control diseases,” the Governor said, during the launch.

The Migori County Assembly Speaker, Boaz Okoth appealed to the local leaders to give necessary support to the executive so that more development projects can be started.

“No development can occur when there is no corporation and peaceful co-existence. I appeal to our leaders including our MCAs to unite for the prosperity of this county,” he said.

 The County Executive Committee member in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Valentine Ogongo said the department was committed to ensuring more projects were initiated for the benefit of the people of Migori County.

“We shall continue with the one-cow-per-farmer programme and bring into the county more in-calf heifers/cows and purchase more sahiwal bulls for upgrading of the zebu in Nyatike Sub County,” the CEC member said.