The Principal Secretary for Co-operative Societies Ali Noor
The national government will invest Shs 3. billion to set up a livestock pre-export quarantine zone in Lamu county, aimed at improving the overall National livestock export business.
Plans are already underway to demarcate at least 30,000 acres of land belonging to livestock marketing division (LMD) in Bargoni area, as a holding zone for screening animals destined for export through the Lamu county.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the 20 acre marshalling yard within Lamu port on 21st Jan. 2022, where he spoke with area stakeholders and opinion leaders, the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives CS Peter Munya, stated that the livestock export project aims at harnessing the potential of arid and semi-arid areas, where livestock is their source of living.
Munya noted that apart from the coatal counties of Lamu, Kilifi, Malindi and Kwale benefiting from the project, other areas such as Garissa, Tana River, Wajir and Mandera will be the main source of livestock for export through the Lamu county.
The CS however noted that the national government, besides investing heavily in livestock export segment at Lamu Port, will also invest in ensuring that animal laboratories are set up in the County to suppliment those already set up in Mariakani and Garissa in order to increase animal disease control.
CS Munya was accompanied by PS Harry Kimtui of the State Department of Livestock, CAS Lawrence Omuhaka, Director Obadiah Njagi of veterinary services and Director Bishar of Livestock Development.
PS Harry Kimtai in his part said that the project will revolutionalise livestock export business in the County and will also create jobs both in the formal and informal sector. He observed that for successful implementation of the Lamu livestock pre-export quarantine zone programme, there needs to be community ownership of the project before and after implementation.
Lamu area has been prioritized for development as a key hub for commodity shipment under the Lamu port- South Sudan- Ethiopia transport (LAPSSET) corridor project through the creation of Lamu port.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture Ke
