Kenya Drafts Dairy Bill 2023 to Address Growing Demand for Milk

Nakuru, Thursday, June 8, 2023

KNA by Angela Cherotich

Dairy farmers in Nakuru County want the government to regulate the subdivision of land to safeguard the production of milk, even as the Country gears itself up for the expanded East African Community (EAC) market.

The farmers cautioned against further subdivision of farm land into plots and amongst family members, saying it had reduced lands for pasture and growing of fodder, further compromising on milk production.

“The scarcity of fodder has pushed many to regulate their herds and only produce what is within their limits. If we can get a guarantee of year-round supply of fodder, this country will be able to bridge the gap that continues to grow between the demand and supply of milk and milk products,” noted a Mr Karanja.

Karanja added that urbanisation, preference and health benefits of milk had led to an increased demand for milk, while the lucrative business remained in the hands of elderly persons who were incapacitated to produce optimally.

The farmers who spoke in Nakuru during a public participation exercise to collect views on the proposed Dairy Bill, 2023, also noted the need to devolve Milk Laboratory and testing services to milk production counties.

“We propose enhanced research and training to be captured in the Bill and have professional in the dairy sector to be recognized and have a registered board just like the Kenya Veterinary Board,” said Samuel Njuguna, a trainer at Naivasha based Dairy Training Institute.

Kenya Livestock Breeders Association representative Benard Muganda noted that the proposed Bill, though it included milk from other species such as goats, sheep and camels, should allow for equal share of representation at the Board.

“We need to factor in a consumption clause to safeguard the production and consumption of milk at local level including milk fed to calves. Milk production is a key enterprise in Nakuru County that accounts for 300,000 million litres every year. As a flagship project, the county has embarked on organizing actors in the value chain, while promoting bulking and chilling services,” noted Nakuru County Director for Dairy Services, Virginia Ngunjiri.

Kenya Dairy Board Managing Director Margaret Kibogi said payment will be based on the milk's quality, while aligning the reforms to high export standards. She added that plans were underway to provide training and support to farmers to improve their milk production practices.

“One significant aspect of the dairy sector's contribution to Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is its stronghold in the Rift Valley region. We are therefore rallying farmers in this area to produce quality milk as it will be crucial in closing the production-demand gap.

“The review of the bill is necessary to match with the trends that have emerged since the constitution of 2010. We need to address the changing aspects of trade and align it with the current issues in the dairy sector," said Dr Kibogi.

To ensure the bill is comprehensive and inclusive, a task force appointed by the Dairy Bill Implementation Panel (Dairy BIP), has undertaken the responsibility of reviewing old regulations and developing a draft regulation.

The draft regulation is currently being subjected to public participation and feedback collection, not only in Nakuru but throughout the country.

Courtesy ; K. N. A