Hon. Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, is touring the projected Export Livestock Marshaling Yard at Lamu Port and the Bargoni Pre-export Quarantine Area, which would be utilized to export livestock to other parts of the world.

The State Department for Livestock (SDL) intends to establish a Livestock Disease-Free Compartment in Lamu County, develop a marshalling yard at Lamu Port and a bio-secured holding facility for livestock finishing at Bargoni Holding Ground in collaboration with Kenya Ports Authority.

The Witu Satellite Laboratory’s facilities and accompanying infrastructure will also be upgraded to provide diagnostic services to the manufacturers.

CS Munya explained during a meeting with local leaders that the recent Lamu Port has designated space and infrastructure for handling live animals for export, as opposed to the major port of Mombasa, which does not.

“Lamu port will have a specific section for handling live animals that are ready to be exported. This port will serve as Kenya’s new livestock export hub” CS Munya stated.

Hon. Fahima Araphat, OGW, speaking on behalf of H.E Fahim Twaha, CECM Fisheries Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the project’s advantages to the Lamu people, applauding the State Department of Livestock for maintaining inclusive participation of all stakeholders throughout the process.

“Lamu County is rich in livestock resources, with over 30 pastoralist settlements and proximity to important animal production hubs including Tana River, Wajir, Garissa, and Kajiado. The existence of the facility in Lamu will provide better prices for local pastoralists’ animals, as well as job opportunities for our youth at Quarantine facilities and the Marshaling Yard,”Hon. Fahima stated.

She continued, “Our farmers can now plant and sell pasture as hay to feed animals in quarantine and on ship transit. Our infrastructure, including water services will improve.

“Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration, according to Hon. Fahima, is committed to the program, she however, maintains that, in light of the recent spate of attacks in the county, it is critical for the Ministry of Lands to fast track issuance of title deeds .

On behalf of H.E Governor Twaha, Hon. Fahima received Hon. Munya, Principal Secretary State Department for Livestock Harry Kimutai and the Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Lawrence Omuhakha.

Other leaders present included Lamu West MP Hon. Stanely Muthama,Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia, Hongwe MCA Hon James Komu, LAPSSET regional manager Salim Buni, among others.

Ends.

Story by Patrick Ochieng

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office @ info@lamu.go.ke

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•