ILO transforms camel milk value chain with Kasha Milk Collection Centre

KENYA – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has significantly transformed Kenya’s camel milk value chain by enhancing entrepreneurship and infrastructure in host and refugee communities. 

Through the ILO’s Integrated Market Systems Approach, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, efforts have been directed towards improving water access, which has been crucial in boosting camel milk production and creating jobs in Garissa County.

Garissa County, located in Kenya’s arid northern region, relies heavily on boreholes, dams, water pans, and wells for water due to its limited rainfall. 

However, frequent equipment breakdowns and poor maintenance of water infrastructure have often hindered access to this vital resource, significantly affecting livelihoods, especially those involved in camel milk production. 

The ILO’s intervention aimed at addressing these challenges by restoring water systems, providing technical skills, and empowering local communities, particularly women, in camel milk production.

One of the most notable achievements is the establishment of the Kasha Camel Milk Collection Centre, located in Saka Ward along the River Tana.

Before the centre’s construction, women traders faced challenges such as poor hygiene and the lack of proper milk storage facilities. 

Before the intervention, we were selling milk under a tree, and it was difficult to maintain hygiene standards,” Isinino Hussein, Chairlady of the Kasha Camel Milk Centre said.

“With the construction of the Kasha Camel Milk Centre, we now have a proper facility, and our business has grown immensely,”  

In 2022, the Kasha women’s group had just 15 members. After receiving training in milk hygiene and entrepreneurship, the group expanded to 45 members, and milk production surged from 300 litres to over 6,000 litres daily by September 2023. 

The centre is now equipped with a 750,000-litre milk cooler and essential storage containers, transforming the local camel milk industry. 

The centre serves a producer group of 155 members, including camel herders, traders, and transporters, enabling them to bulk, cool, and add value to camel milk.

“The ILO’s approach to capacity building and market systems has been crucial in helping the Kasha group scale their operations, said Elizabeth Katuba, Programme Manager at SITE Enterprise Promotion. 

By addressing key bottlenecks such as water scarcity, poor milk handling, and market access, ILO has enabled these women to increase their income and improve their quality of life.”

With the Kasha centre now processing over 10,000 litres of milk daily and generating Ksh600,000 (approximately US$4,000) in income, the local economy has been revitalized. 

New markets have opened up, and traders are now selling to 86 bulk buyers in Garissa town. Additionally, the centre’s success has created 379 new jobs, with 326 of these positions filled by women.

Garissa County Director of Livestock Development, Dr. Haret Hambe, highlighted the impact of these interventions on the county’s overall camel milk output.

With approximately 840,000 camels in the region, 15% of which are lactating, around 190 million litres of milk are produced annually.

 Dr. Hambe stated, ILO’s interventions have improved the livelihoods of camel milk producers and enhanced the county’s camel milk output.”

Looking ahead, the Kasha Camel Milk Centre plans to diversify its product line by establishing a mini-processing plant for camel milk yoghurt, chocolates, and sweets. 

This value addition is expected to further increase income and create more job opportunities for the community.

 “Our dream is to see Kasha camel milk products on the shelves of supermarkets across Garissa and beyond,” said Isinino Hussein.

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