Isiolo, Samburu counties to benefit from meat factory

Residents of Isiolo and Samburu counties are set to benefit from a meat factory which expected to be commissioned in January 2015.

Speaking to the press at his ancestral farm in Chumvi Yere on Tuesday, Managing director of Isiolo Meat Factory and Archers Meat Factory Mr Idris Hassan Osman said the project will benefit about 1000 families.

Locals will also secure jobs and food besides the project boosting the economy of both counties.

Mr Osman said that once the project is running, the company will slaughter 2500 sheep and goats, 1000 cattle and 50 camels daily for exports to the United Arab Emirates.

The Isiolo meat factory will cost $60 million (Sh5.4 billion) and is set to be constructed on a 124,000-hectare piece of land that belongs to the investor.

LOCALS WANT PROJECT DISCUSSED

Members of the community have, however, resisted the plans to build the factory on the proposed land, saying they never discussed the project in their meeting with the investor last week.

They want the project to be discussed with the elders before they settle on a common agenda.

Mr Osman said that he will set aside 30 per cent of the profits from the project for the community, saying that they are part of his family.

“I want to make sure that the pastoralists from this area benefit from my factory,” Mr Osman said.

He pledged to provide pesticides and provide high quality animal breeds in order to increase production and meat supply in the area.

Mr Osman added that he is afraid that his remaining land, approximately 1500 hectares, will be grabbed by certain unscrupulous individuals adding that he will give some land to the community in Chumvi Yere.