![We are in government to stay, say Mt Kenya leaders](https://static.ntvkenya.co.ke/uploads/2024/08/IMG-20240810-WA0010-320x240.jpg)
Frustration as millions of litres of milk go to waste over lack of market, storage
Milk worth millions is going to waste in the North Rift region due to a lack of market and storage facilities.
The quantity going to waste is expected to rise beyond the 290 million litres recorded last year across the country as dairy farmers grapple with market challenges.
The tribulations facing dairy farmers have been complicated by delays by the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) to pay them for the last four months, amounting to millions and the move by private processors to cut the intake by more than half owing to lack of capacity for the excess produce.
Dairy farmers affiliated with the Kenya Dairy Farmer Federation (KDFF) on Friday said thousands of litres of milk were going to waste due to a lack of storage facilities, as private processors have lowered the farm gate prices to below Sh30 a litre as they grapple with the challenges of excess production.
“Most milk cooperative societies face collapse due to delayed payments by the New KCC and exploitation by private milk processers who are offering as low as Sh20 per litre at farm gate level contrary to agreement entered with the Kenya Dairy Board and Ministry of Agriculture of Sh33 per litre,” said Stanley Ngombe, KDFF chairperson.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the release of Sh600 million last week to New KCC to pay dairy farmers for milk deliveries.
“I know the problem of delayed payments by New KCC for milk deliveries but I want to tell you that we have released Sh600 million to pay farmers,” said the DP last week while in Eldoret.
Nation spot check
A survey by Nation.Africa indicated that the money is yet to be wired into the farmers’ accounts as they continue to cope with the challenges of maintaining their dairy animals.
“It is now three days and there is no money in our accounts. The government should honour its pledge and release the funds to New KCC to enable it to pay us,” said James Songok from Kerita, Uasin Gishu County.
The New KCC is purchasing a litre of milk at Sh50, as compared to Sh42 offered, but it has not paid dairy farmers for the past four months.
Data from an economic survey indicated that the quantity of wasted milk in 2023 was 290 million litres, translating to income loss to dairy farmers of Sh14.7 billion.
“Dairy cooperative societies are experiencing heavy losses due to milk spoilage with private processors reducing prices and cutting down the intake by half causing untold frustration to farmers,” said Mr Ngombe.
The DP has in the past disclosed plans to introduce reforms to modernize the New KCC) factories and expand its market share to build capacity for dairy farmers.
Among the strategies is for the giant milk processors to acquire new markets through the school feeding programmes sponsored by the national and county governments.
According to the DP, the reforms will empower dairy farmers to increase milk productivity and earn better returns by pushing the cost of milk to Sh60 per litre at the farm gate level.
“Our aim is to turn-around the company to profitability by doubling the processed milk to over three million litres per for higher returns to the farmer,” said the DP when he toured the New KCC milk processing plant in Dandora, Nairobi early this year.
According to interviewed dairy farmers, the cost of animal feed remains the most expensive input in dairy production, accounting for 60 per cent of the total cost and affecting constant milk production.
“Our training is homegrown fodder silage making and other cheaper protein sources. Feed conversation is critical in managing seasonality of weather patterns,’ said Jonah Kemboi from Saos, Nandi County.
The state milk processor is partnering with Uasin Gishu County to support cooperatives to enhance production and school milk programmes.
Governor Jonathan Bii said the devolved unit was keen to revive cooperative societies to improve milk production.
“We are working on a program to coordinate key value chains to enhance productivity and increase household incomes and create employment especially among the youth,” said Mr Bii.
According to data from the county Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the current annual production stands at 220 million litres from 340,000 herds of livestock.
bbii@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.