The Kenya Defence Force (KDF), Kenya Meat Commission, and the leadership of Turkana County met on Monday to discuss the revival of the Lomidat Slaughterhouse in the new Lokichoggio Sub-county.
The meeting was led by the Managing Commissioner for Kenya Meat Commission Brig James Githaga.
The meeting today was a follow-up to the recommendation from the Peace Caravan that happened up to Namanga, Kajiado County, that was presided over by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, which aimed at improving the lives of communities around Lomidat, streamline the livestock value chain to boost the local economy and promote peaceful coexistence within and across the border.
Brig Githaga stated the meeting discussed ways to jointly revive Lomidat and explore ways to expedite the market, which is the mandate of KMC.
He further said that the revival of the Lomidat Facility is part of peace-building between Kenya and neighboring countries as well as improving the livelihoods of the people who are largely pastoralists.
Of significance, Brig said, the need to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the partnership.
The delegation by Brigadier Githaga, had in the morning paid a courtesy call to officers from the Department of Livestock Development to brief them on their mission to Lomidat.
The Turkana Deputy Governor, Dr. John Erus said, “livestock value chain is one of the main livelihoods options of our people and any opportunity that enhances that area is critical.”
He appreciated the role of the National Government through the Ministry of Defence in putting up infrastructure to ensure the safety of the people.
DG emphasized that the county’s agenda on collaboration and partnerships will only be achieved and have impactful benefits if done through strategic partnerships.
Dr Erus also revealed that the recent proposal to the European Union to declare Turkana disease-free for animals, he said, would help local products reach the market.
The County Executive for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, David Erukudi reiterated the County’s commitment to collaborate with KDF and other stakeholders in resuscitating the facility.
He regretted cattle-related conflicts had grounded Lokichoggio but expressed optimism that the revival of the facility would give the area a socio-economic face-lift.
The meeting was attended by the county government, KMC, and KDF officials.
The team after the meeting, traveled to Lokichoggio to assess the stalled Lomidat factory. In Lokichoggio, the team will gather information on how best the facility can be revived and operationalized soon.
