County One Health Unit Warns Against Uncoordinated Slaughter, Demands Written Approval from All Individuals and Organisations Planning to Conduct Udhhiya This Eid.
With Eid-Al-Adha festivities just days away, the County Government of Garissa has moved decisively to bring order, hygiene and public health compliance to Qurbani slaughter activities scheduled to take place across the county from 27th to 29th May 2026.
In an official circular dated 21st May 2026, seen by ASAL Post, and signed by Dr. Haret A. Hambe, Director of Livestock Development and County One Health Unit (COHU) Focal Person, the county has issued comprehensive directives targeting all individuals, charitable organisations, foundations and institutions planning to conduct Udhhiya the ritual slaughter of animals during the upcoming celebrations.
Why the Directives Were Necessary
The circular does not mince words about what has gone wrong in the past. According to the COHU, previous Eid-Al-Adha seasons have been marred by a troubling pattern of uncoordinated slaughter activities that have posed serious risks to public health and the environment.
Among the challenges cited in the letter seen by ASAL Post were mass slaughter of animals in undesignated areas, lack of proper meat inspection, poor meat handling practices, improper disposal of slaughter waste and environmental pollution all of which, the county warns, expose communities to zoonotic diseases, food contamination and environmental degradation.
It is against this backdrop that the County One Health Unit has stepped in with firm and enforceable guidelines ahead of this year’s celebrations.
What the Directives Require
The COHU circular makes clear that no slaughter activity should commence without prior written approval. All those planning to conduct Qurbani must first declare their slaughter plans to the County Director in charge of Veterinary Services and obtain formal clearance before proceeding.
Beyond approval, the directives set out a clear framework for how all slaughter activities must be conducted. Key requirements include conducting all slaughter only at approved and designated slaughter sites, maintaining proper cleanliness of those sites before, during and after use, and minimizing contamination of meat, water sources and the surrounding environment.
All slaughter personnel, flayers and meat handlers are required to possess valid health certificates and must obtain clearance from the relevant Sub-County Public Health Office. The county has further directed that qualified meat inspectors must be assigned and physically present throughout slaughter and meat handling processes to guarantee food safety and quality.
Proper disposal of slaughter waste in line with public health and environmental regulations is also mandatory, as is adherence to all guidance issued by Veterinary, Public Health and Environmental Officers on the ground.
Enforcement Will Be Active
The County Government has made clear that compliance is not optional. The letter, seen by ASAL Post, states in unambiguous terms:
“All relevant Veterinary, Public Health, Environmental Health, and County Administration officers are hereby directed to monitor compliance and take appropriate enforcement action against any unauthorized or non-compliant slaughter activities, in order to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure safe and dignified observance of the Eid Al-Adha festivities.”
The directive has been copied to the County Commissioner, Director of Health, all Sub-County Veterinary Officers, Sub-County Public Health Officers, Meat Inspectors, Sub-County Administrators and Sub-County Commissioners signalling a whole-of-government approach to enforcement across all parts of Garissa County.
A Message to the Public
As Garissa’s Muslim community prepares to mark one of Islam’s most sacred occasions, county health authorities are urging everyone involved in Qurbani activities to cooperate fully with the guidelines — not just as a legal obligation, but as a shared responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of the entire community.
The COHU has framed its approach around the principle of “Do No Harm” ensuring that the spirit of generosity and sacrifice that defines Eid-Al-Adha is not undermined by preventable public health and environmental risks.
For inquiries or to declare slaughter plans, the public can reach Dr. Haret A. Hambe directly on +254 721 615 019.
