KENYA – Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the government’s commitment to reforming the dairy sector to enhance farmers’ earnings.
The government is investing Sh5 billion in modernizing the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) to improve efficiency and meet farmers’ needs.
President Ruto directed KCC to pay milk farmers Sh50 per liter starting March 1, ensuring a stable price. Additionally, from July 1, farmers will be paid every 15 days to eliminate milk hawking caused by delayed payments.
He added that India has committed Sh37 billion to support agricultural transformation, with Sh5 billion allocated for KCC’s modernization.
Additionally, he noted that the government aims to provide farmers with quality animal breeds that require less feed, and access to seasonal credit through the Agricultural Finance Corporation, which has been allocated Sh10 billion.
President Ruto assured farmers of timely access to subsidized fertilizer at Sh2,500 for the current season.
He emphasized that investing in agriculture is essential for creating wealth, expanding opportunities, and reducing the cost of living.
“Investing in agriculture is the best way to create wealth and expand opportunities for the people and reduce the cost of living and food,” he said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlighted successful reforms in the agricultural sector, leading to improved earnings for tea, coffee, and milk farmers.
He condemned attempts to smuggle powdered milk into the country, urging businesses to support local farmers.
“The security agencies have been directed to ensure that this doesn’t happen. If you want to be in the milk business, buy farmers’ milk,” he said.
The meeting, held during the commissioning of the upgraded New KCC in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, was attended by government officials.
Nyahururu factory is one among the Eight major milk processing factories of New Kcc company.
The factory catchment area includes Laikipia county with 10% Nyandarua county 75% Nyeri, Baringo and Nakuru counties with a total of 15%.
Current milk intakes oscillate between 70,000lts /day in high peak and 30,000lts /day in the lowest peak. The factory has a storage capacity of 300,000lts of milk with daily processing capacity of 100,000lts.
