NDDB, Kenya Dairy Board explore collaboration to boost dairy sector

KENYA – The Kenya Dairy Board is strengthening ties with India’s dairy sector following a meeting between Dr. Meenesh C. Shah, Chairman of India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Kenya Dairy Board officials Ms. Margaret Kibogy, Managing Director, and Mr. Obed Lamai, a senior official. 

The meeting, held to explore potential areas of collaboration, focused on key aspects such as genetic improvement, vaccine manufacturing, dairy equipment production, packaging, and the development of dairy cooperatives.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the talks highlighted the NDDB’s ongoing efforts to support Kenya’s dairy sector through its expertise and resources. 

Dr. Shah emphasized India’s experience in building a robust dairy ecosystem, particularly through cooperatives, which could benefit Kenyan farmers. 

“We are eager to share our knowledge and technology to help improve milk production and farmer livelihoods in Kenya,” he said during the meeting. 

The NDDB, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, has been a pioneer in transforming India into the world’s largest milk producer, and this collaboration aims to replicate some of that success in Kenya.

The Kenyan delegation expressed interest in leveraging India’s advancements in genetic improvement and vaccine production to enhance animal productivity. 

A report by industry experts noted that NDDB’s subsidiary, Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), has already supplied over 3.39 lakh units of animal vaccines to Kenya in 2025, a move that has strengthened ties between the two nations. 

Ms. Kibogy highlighted the potential for growth, saying, “Partnering with NDDB could bring affordable solutions and modern equipment to our dairy farmers, ensuring better quality and output.”

The meeting also covered the role of NDDB’s subsidiary, IDMC Limited, in providing dairy equipment and packaging solutions. 

Shri S. Rajeev, Executive Director of NDDB, and Shri Rajkumar Malik, Executive Director of IDMC Limited, joined Dr. Shah, along with other senior officials, to discuss how these technologies could be adapted to meet Kenya’s needs. 

According to NDDB, the collaboration could involve training programs for Kenyan cooperatives, drawing from India’s successful Amul model, which Dr. Shah has previously proposed extending to Kenya.

This initiative builds on earlier engagements, including a visit by a Kenyan team to NDDB facilities in 2023, signaling a growing partnership. 

With India aiming to account for one-third of global milk production by 2030, as stated by Dr. Shah in past addresses, this collaboration could also open export opportunities for Kenyan dairy products. 

The discussions mark a promising start to a partnership that could transform Kenya’s dairy industry while fostering stronger economic ties with India.