Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has unveiled plans for the construction of an aggregation industrial park in the County, with the aim of revitalizing and bolstering the agricultural sector.
The park, with a budget of Ksh500 million, will be a joint effort, with the county government allocating Ksh250 million and the national government contributing the remaining funds.
Natembeya revealed the plan on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the a state-of-the-art chicken slaughter facility in Maili tatu in Kitale.
The facility will be managed by the Trans Queens and Kings Cooperative Society.
Increase Income
In addition to adding value to livestock produce, the chicken slaughter facility is projected to increase incomes for local farmers.
To further support this initiative, the governor presented a grant of Ksh19.9 million to the cooperative society to aid in the establishment of the facility.
The total project cost is estimated at Ksh29.2 million and the facility will have a processing capacity of 1,600 chickens per day.
Governor Natembeya expressed optimism that the farmers of Trans Nzoia County and beyond will benefit significantly from this substantial support, serving as a driving force to enhance production and ensure the facility operates year-round.
Moreover, he emphasized that the facility will lead to an upsurge in the number of aggregated, slaughtered, and marketed chickens in the county.
Furthermore, it will boost membership in producer organizations, generate employment opportunities, and ultimately increase income for farmers while driving profits for producer organizations and market outlets.
Smallholder farmers
The National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) has identified the local chicken value chain as a priority for support in Trans Nzoia County.
The local chicken value chain plays a pivotal role in the county, providing livelihoods for numerous smallholder farmers.
However, these farmers face several challenges, including the high costs of low-quality feeds, expensive vaccines and drugs, inadequate management skills, and prevalent pests and diseases.
These obstacles have impeded productivity and hindered the sector’s growth potential.
But Governor Natembeya urged residents to engage in indigenous chicken rearing, emphasizing that the success of the facility hinges on local demand rather than relying on other counties.
He also highlighted his administration’s dedication to reducing animal feed costs to maximize farmers’ profits.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of leveraging veterinary officers’ expertise to maintain standards and ensure the quality of animal produce.
The governor urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed-upon timeline for completing the facility.
Meanwhile, Agriculture CECM Phanice Khatundi , said the county is committed to boosting production of livestock products.
She emphasized the project’s focus on forging robust connections with national and regional markets.
This strategic approach, the CECM said, will empower local chicken producers in Trans Nzoia County, enhancing profitability and sustainability within the value chain.
