Embu, Kenya — The government has initiated the third phase of the modernization and upgrading of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) facilities throughout the nation. The program aims to enhance machinery, increase processing capacity, and boost farmers’ earnings.
According to the Kenya News Agency, Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Simon Chelugui announced that the plants slated for renovation this year are Runyenjes in Embu, Narok, Mogotio, and Kabianga. The Miritini plant in Mombasa will also undergo improvements to convert powdered milk into liquid form for exportation.
The government has allocated Sh. 700 million for the transformation of the New KCC Runyenjes Milk Cooling Plant into a processing facility. “We must expand this project to uplift milk farming in Embu and call upon our farmers to reciprocate with increased raw milk supply,” said Chelugui.
In earlier phases, the government had already enhanced plants in Kiganjo, Nyambene, and Nyahururu. Chelugui highlighted that all initiatives are aimed at installing advanced equipment for value addition and augmenting farmers’ incomes.
Addressing issues related to delayed payments to farmers, CS Chelugui stated that discussions have begun with all 35 processors under the guidance of the President to streamline the payment process. “A national announcement will soon mandate all milk processors to settle payments to farmers on a specified date,” he added.
On the matter of production costs, Chelugui indicated that the government will examine strategies to reduce expenditures for farmers. He disclosed plans to lease portions of state-owned lands like Kengen, Tarda, ADC, and prisons, to milk processors for cultivating animal fodder.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire supported the initiative and remarked that the upgraded plant would significantly assist in her planned program of offering free milk to all 17,000 ECDE learners in the county. Mbarire reported that Embu County’s yearly milk production is 77.3 million liters, generating an average income of Sh3.9 billion.