Dairy Farmers across the nation are set to experience a transformative boost in earnings as the government undertakes a significant overhaul of the dairy sector.

President William Ruto announced that a substantial investment of Sh5 billion is being allocated to modernize the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC), with the primary aim of enhancing efficiency to better serve the needs of farmers.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the upgraded New KCC in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, President Ruto emphasized the critical role of bolstering KCC's processing capacity.

He declared that the goal is to ensure the facility can effectively handle the entire volume of milk produced by farmers.

In a bid to provide immediate relief to farmers, the President directed KCC to initiate a payment of Sh50 per litre, effective March 1, with an assurance that prices would remain stable.

Read More

  1. State promises Kenyan coffee farmers better returns under fresh reforms
  2. Ruto unveils ambitious plan to dual Nairobi-Nakuru Highway from end year
  3. Kenya welcomes Jumbo Africa Auto Auction SEZ signalling investor confidence

President Ruto outlined additional measures to eradicate challenges faced by farmers, specifically addressing delayed payments and milk hawking.

"From July 1, farmers will be paid every 15 days. This is how we will eliminate milk hawking, which arises when farmers are not paid for two to three months," he stated.

Furthermore, the President underscored the government's commitment to supporting farmers in acquiring quality animal breeds that are efficient in feed consumption, ultimately maximizing profits.

To enhance farmers' financial capabilities, President Ruto announced a Sh10 billion allocation from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to provide seasonal credit.

"Investing in agriculture is the best way to create wealth and expand opportunities for the people and reduce the cost of living and food,"  Ruto affirmed, emphasizing the significance of agriculture in economic development.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlighted the success of agricultural sector reforms, citing improved earnings for tea, coffee, and milk farmers.

He specifically noted the historic high in the last bonus for tea farming in the country.

“The last bonus has been the highest in the history of tea farming in the country,” Gachagua said.