Nyeri town poultry traders have a reason to smile after acquiring a modern abattoir which has boosted their businesses.
The Rware Poultry Sellers’ slaughter house project which was supported by the Nyeri County Government and funded by the Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme II (ASDSP II) was commissioned by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Originally, the poultry sellers would operate in the open within Nyeri town area and more often than not would brave harsh weather conditions such as scorching sun, heavy rains and floods.
A poultry seller James Kingori said despite the business being good, they would face a lot of challenges especially when it rains. “The area gets dirty and muddy and customers even don’t come to buy our poultry when it rains,” said Kingori.
He said he was happy when Nyeri County Government spearheaded the rehabilitation of the abattoir to a modern facility.
“We can now afford a smile and work happily in our business following rehabilitation of the abattoir,” added Kingori.
ASDSP is a nationwide programme being implemented in all the 47 Counties. The Nyeri programme is financed by the County Government, National Government and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
The project included installation of non-slip terrazzo floor, washable wall tiles, chicken washing sink improvement, dressing table upgrade with food grade quartz cover, installation of modern birds cages, installation of modern smoke control hood and a security gate.
Speaking after he commissioned the abattoir in Nyeri town, Kahiga said the facility has improved food handling at the abattoir shop, improving food safety as well as attracting more customers.
This, Mutahi said has subsequently increased the turnover of the birds slaughtered and marketed through the facility increasing income for the over 30 beneficiaries.
Customers will also be assured of food safety through provision of chicken products free from both physical and biological contaminants.
He said every job should be respected and encouraged more residents to embrace poultry business to enhance their families’ living standards.
Rware Poultry Sellers Association Chairman Peter Kariuki lauded the county government for the modern facility adding that they are able to slaughter over 70 chickens per day from the initial 20 per day.
By Beth Ndirangu
