Government embarks on phase three of modernization of New KCC plants

Embu,

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

KNA B: Samuel Waititu

The Government has embarked on phase three of modernization and upgrading of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) plants across the country.

Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Simon Chelgui said those plants earmarked in the modernization programme this year include Runyenjes in Embu, Narok, Mogotio and Kabianga.

Included in the programme also, according to CS Chelgui, is improvement of machinery in Miritini in Mombasa to convert powdered milk into liquid for the export market.

Speaking while on an inspection tour of New KCC Runyenjes Milk Cooling Plant in Embu on Monday, the CS said Sh. 700 million had been set aside to transform the plant into a processing factory.

“If we want to improve milk farming in Embu we must expand this project and we ask our farmers to reciprocate with an increase in supply of raw milk,” he said.

He said in phase one, they were able to expand and upgrade Kiganjo, Nyambene and Nyahururu plants.

He said all these programmes involving installation of state-of-the-art equipment for value addition and increased processing capacity are geared towards increased earning for farmers.

To address the outcry from farmers over poor and delayed payments, CS Chelgui said talks had commenced with all the 35 processors led by the President with a view to regularizing payments.

“We will soon make a national announcement that will compel all milk processors to pay farmers on an appointed date whether they have received money or not,” the CS said.

On the price, he said, they will seek ways of addressing cost of production that was a major factor affecting returns to the farmers.

He said because most of the farmers were subsistence and unable to produce adequate fodder, the government will explore ways of utilizing parts of government owned lands for that purpose.

This, he said, will be achieved through leasing parts of these lands such as Kengen, Tarda, ADC, Prisons and so on to milk processors to cultivate animal fodder and sell it to the government at a reduced cost.

“The farmer will eventually be able to secure fodder from the government at a reduced price which will reduce the cost of producing milk,” he said.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and a host of area leaders accompanying the CS, welcomed the move of upgrading the milk cooling plant that was established 20 years ago.

She said once complete, the factory will come in handy in ensuring success of her proposed programme of suppling free milk to all 17,000 ECDE learners across the county at a reduced cost.

She reported that annual production of milk in the county stood at 77.3 million litres with an average return of Sh3.9 billion.

The Governor said average milk production for a cow per day was eight kilos that could be pushed to approximately 15 kilos with proper animal husbandry and extension services.

Courtesy; KNA