President Ruto names new board members for New KCC

KENYA – Kenyan President, Hon William Samoei Ruto, has revoked the appointments of Geoffrey Noah Angwenyi, David Kipkurui Samoei, Colonel Rukia Rashid, and Elisha Biwot from the Board of Directors of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited (New KCC).

To succeed the revoked members, Ndemo Nyachae, Dr Rawlynce Bett, Naisula Keko, and Sarah Keino have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited effective on August 6, 2024, and continue until March 9, 2026.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act, 1, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoints Noah Ndemo Nyachae, Rawlynce Bett (Dr.). Naisula Keko and Sarah Keino to be members of the Board of Directors of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited, with effect from the 6th August, 2024, up to the 9th March, 2026,” he said in a notice.

The previous board members had been appointed on March 10, 2023, and their terms were set to end in March 2026. However, due to untold reasons their positions had to be revoked.

The timing of this reshuffle coincides with the recent departure of Managing Director Nixon Sigey, who stepped down amidst growing concerns about the company’s stability.

Under Sigey’s leadership, New KCC embarked on an ambitious modernization project, including upgrading its plants nationwide, such as the Nakuru factory.

The company also launched a new milk processing plant in Narok County, valued at approximately US$5.16 million (KES 750 million), to boost milk productivity and support farmers’ income. Additionally, New KCC introduced its first processed camel whole milk powder into the Kenyan market.

However, despite significant government investments aimed at stabilizing New KCC, including a KES 5 billion modernization program, questions have arisen about the company’s performance.

In January, during the commissioning of the upgraded New KCC factory in Nyahururu, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of New KCC to meet farmers’ needs.

The President highlighted a KES 5 billion investment aimed at increasing the company’s processing capacity to handle the total volume of milk produced by farmers.

To support farmers, President Ruto also directed that starting March 1, KCC pay KES 50 per liter of milk, with payments occurring every 15 days to prevent delays. This move is intended to reduce milk hawking issues, which arise when farmers face prolonged payment delays.

New KCC, renowned for its extensive processing infrastructure, includes eight major factories, 13 milk cooling plants, and several satellite coolers.

The company’s recent developments and strategic changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance its role in Kenya’s dairy industry and ensure better support for local farmers.