Vets warn over uninspected meat

(L-R) Senior Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Mike Cheruiyot, Africa Veterinary and Technicians Association President Benson Ameda and Lorna Odero from the department of Veterinary have a word during a retreat in Naivasha.

Sourcing of livestock and slaughter of dead animals have been identified as the major causes of food poisoning and zoonotic diseases.

Africa Veterinary and Technicians Association President Benson Ameda noted that the livestock sector and slaughter of animals had been invaded by unscrupulous traders keen to make a quick buck.

He attributed some of the health complications in humans to eating uninspected meat.

“At the moment the quality of meat from various slaughterhouses has been compromised and it’s time that this was addressed,” he said.

Dr Ameda supported the decision to place Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) under the Ministry of Defence, saying it has suffered mismanagement for years.

He proposed that the Defence ministry should construct and manage slaughterhouses in the counties in a bid to address the safety of products.

Kenya Veterinary Association national chairman Samuel Kahariri said that the presidential directive would help revive KMC.

Meanwhile, the military will now run the cash strapped Kenya Meat Commission in a move to boost its operation and survival.

Agriculture CS Peter Munya directed the transfer saying President Uhuru Kenyatta had ordered so.

“Following the transfer of ministerial responsibility of the Kenya Meat Commission to the Ministry of Defence by the President, you are directed to facilitate a seamless transfer of KMC to the ministry of defence,” he said in a memo dated September 7.

The memo was sent to the PS, state department for livestock and copied to the KMC Managing Commissioner James ole Seriani.

Munya directed officials there to ensure they coordinate the exercise with the National Treasury and transfer the associated budgets at the next scheduled supplementary budget.

Officials said this is aimed at enhancing the agency operations and serve farmers better.

This is the latest move to bestow the military with such operations in a series that indicate the President’s trust and hope in the entity in managing some sections of the civil service.

The government-owned meat processor is operating below capacity and is grappling with an unreliable supply of raw materials and an ageing plant, which have slowed its operations.

Its debts stand at Sh1.1 billion, which include livestock farmers’ dues of Sh254.4 million and outstanding payroll deductions totalling Sh144 million as per 2019.