Nairobi: The government has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that all debts owed to dairy farmers by the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) are settled promptly. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the dairy sector and boost milk production for both local consumption and export. According to Kenya News Agency, Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced that the New KCC had made significant strides in reforming its operations, which included the timely payment of dues to dairy farmers. For the first time, the October 2024 payments were disbursed without delay, marking a significant improvement in the cooperative's handling of farmer payments. During a meeting with dairy farmers at the New KCC factory in Dandora, Oparanya highlighted the critical role of dairy farming in empowering local communities and enhancing rural livelihoods. He stated, "Our focus is on enhancing the dairy value chain through cooperatives. We have adopted the 'pay farme rs first' principle, resulting in timely payments on the 1st of the month. This is a clear sign that our reforms are gaining momentum." The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized that the New KCC is a strategic government corporation whose operations must be safeguarded to maintain productivity in a highly competitive and evolving market. Discussions with the New KCC management, led by Acting MD Samuel Ichura, centered on the company's performance progress under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Oparanya noted that achieving the revitalization agenda for New KCC would require restructuring its human capital to align with market competition and increase productivity. Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, echoed the need for urgent restructuring of the human capital to bring more vibrancy and reduce operational costs. He cautioned the management against prioritizing their remuneration over farmer payments, reminding them that the cooperative exists because of the farmers who supp ly their milk to KCC. Miriam Busiati, chairperson of the Kajiado Dairy Women cooperatives, commended the Cabinet Secretary for delivering on the promise of ensuring timely payment for milk supplies. She shared her experience, stating, "For the first time after a very long time of waiting, we have regained our confidence in the New KCC after we got our monies within a record time on the 1st of this month." She also called on the government to provide mobile coolers to sustain production during the dry season when cows are relocated in search of pastures. The commitment to timely payments and the ongoing reforms at New KCC are expected to transform the dairy sector, empowering local farmers and enhancing their livelihoods through improved milk production and sales.