On Friday, March 8, the National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (NEMA) announced the closure of Kiamaiko slaughterhouses.
According to the environmental authority, the measure was taken following a court judgment granted on July 28, 2022, which directed the cessation of meat industry services.
Following the instructions to shut down the meat supplier, the government authorized removing all services provided to Kiamaiko slaughterhouses.
The Nairobi City County provided veterinary services for meat inspection, public health services, and granting single-company permits.
The government also stated that it has discontinued water supply services provided by the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.
“This will paralyze the entire slaughtering of goats at the slaughter slab due to the illegality of current operations,” NEMA said in a statement.
NEMA’s decision to compel closure stemmed from long-standing concerns over handling blood and offal, as well as the poor treatment of wastewater outflow.
The government body also stated that the slaughterhouses were operating in an unsanitary manner, polluting the Nairobi river waters.
According to the environmental office, the meat suppliers also failed to comply with the 2013 agreement, which required them to relocate to a licensed site by March 31, 2022.
“It is essential to clarify that the intention behind these enforcement measures is not to impede the legitimate trade of meat or the operation of butcheries,” the Food and Drug Administration said.
“The focus is squarely on addressing the specific deficiencies observed within the abattoir facilities themselves which degrade the environment.”
In April 2022, Kiamaiko won court orders that prevented the meat supplier from closing until the matter was heard and decided.
