Mulot slaughterhouse in Narok West Sub County that had been closed indefinitely after failing to meet the public health standards, has been reopened.
The slaughterhouse was re-opened after the County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia and public health officials visited the premises and confirmed it was fit to slaughter animals for human consumption.
The abattoir had been shut down since September this year after an impromptu visit by the County Commissioner in the company of senior county livestock and public health officials.
At the time of its closure, sickly animals that were on the verge of breathing their last, were seen lying outside, struggling for their lives.
Though the abattoir manager had negated the fact that the animals had been brought to be slaughtered, alleging that the animals had been weakened by long-distance trekking, it was clear that most animals the abattoir was slaughtering were weak and sickly animals.
The premises had also been found to be very dirty with no proper waste disposal and drainage system.
Lotiatia announced the reopening of the slaughterhouse today saying a re-inspection report by the public health officials and livestock officials showed that the premises was in good condition.
Lotiatia asked the public health officers not to be reluctant in carrying out their responsibilities and directed them to be aggressive in inspecting all the slaughterhouses in the county to avoid exposing members of the public to consumption of unhealthy meat.
The CC advised livestock farmers to find better ways of disposing dead animals other than taking sickly animals to slaughterhouses, where they end up being slaughtered and meat consumed by unsuspecting customers.
“The public health officers should make regular impromptu visits to the slaughterhouses and butcheries. Any butchery selling meat without the official stamp should be closed immediately,” he said.
Narok West Meat Inspection Officer Lawrence Rono committed to regularly inspect the slaughterhouse to ensure the laid down standards are maintained.
By Ann Salaton
