Nairobi County is home to over 14 licensed slaughterhouses that supply meat to thousands of consumers daily. With rising concerns about food safety, hygiene, and illegal meat sales, knowing where your meat comes from is crucial.
This comprehensive guide covers:
✅ List of all approved slaughterhouses in Nairobi
✅ How they ensure meat safety and hygiene
✅ Government regulations and inspection standards
✅ How to verify if your butcher sources from licensed facilities
Whether you’re a consumer, butcher, or livestock trader, this guide will help you make informed decisions about meat consumption in Nairobi.
List of Licensed Slaughterhouses in Nairobi (2024)
The following are government-approved slaughterhouses operating under Nairobi County Public Health and Veterinary Services:
- Farmers Choice Ltd – Thika Road (Industrial Area)
- Choice Meat Ltd – Dagoretti
- Neema Slaughterhouse – Kiserian
- Kiamaiko Slaughterhouse – Huruma
- Njiru Slaughterhouse – Njiru
- Kayole Slaughterhouse – Kayole
- Nyonjoro Slaughterhouse – Kikuyu
- Bama Slaughterhouse – Dagoretti
- Dandora Slaughterhouse – Dandora
- Quality Meat Packers – Athi River
- Linantano Slaughterhouse – Kariobangi
- Kariokor Slaughterhouse – Kariokor
- Bama – Maziwa Slaughterhouse – Kawangware
- Lentino Slaughterhouse – Ruai
How Nairobi County Regulates Slaughterhouses
To ensure safe and hygienic meat, the county government enforces strict regulations:
1. Mandatory Licensing
- All slaughterhouses must have a valid license from Nairobi County.
- Renewal is required annually after inspection.
2. Hygiene & Sanitation Standards
- Facilities must have:
- Clean running water
- Proper waste disposal systems
- Regular pest control
- Sanitary worker facilities
3. Meat Inspection
- Veterinary officers inspect animals before and after slaughter.
- Condemned meat (unfit for consumption) is destroyed.
4. Traceability & Certification
- Each carcass is stamped with an approval mark.
- Butchers must display certificates of origin.
How to Verify If Your Butcher Uses Licensed Slaughterhouses
⚠ Illegal slaughterhouses (often in backyards) pose serious health risks. Here’s how to confirm your meat source:
- Ask for the Slaughterhouse Certificate – Licensed butchers must have proof.
- Check the Meat Stamp – Approved meat has a government stamp.
- Visit the Nairobi County Health Department – Verify licensed suppliers.
- Avoid Suspiciously Cheap Meat – Unlicensed meat is often sold at lower prices.
Top 3 Largest Slaughterhouses in Nairobi
1. Farmers Choice Ltd
- Location: Industrial Area
- Capacity: 1,500+ animals daily
- Supplies: Supermarkets & major butchers
2. Choice Meat Ltd
- Location: Dagoretti
- Specializes: Beef and goat meat
- Certification: ISO 22000 (Food Safety)
3. Kiamaiko Slaughterhouse
- Location: Huruma
- Known For: Goat meat (popular for nyama choma)
- Daily Output: 800+ goats
Common Meat Safety Concerns in Nairobi
❌ Unregulated Slaughtering – Backyard slaughtering increases contamination risks.
❌ Mislabeled Imports – Some butchers sell smuggled meat as “locally sourced.”
❌ Poor Storage Conditions – Improper refrigeration leads to spoilage.
How to Protect Yourself:
✔ Buy from licensed butchers with displayed certificates.
✔ Check for freshness (bright red color, firm texture).
✔ Avoid meat with unusual odor or slimy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often are slaughterhouses inspected?
✅ Monthly by Nairobi County health officers.
2. Can I visit a slaughterhouse as a customer?
✅ Some allow tours (e.g., Farmers Choice), but most restrict access for hygiene reasons.
3. What happens to rejected meat?
❌ It is destroyed immediately under supervision.
4. Where can I report illegal slaughterhouses?
📞 Contact Nairobi County Health Department
