Kenya Dairy Board Pushes for Fair Milk Prices to Boost Farmer Incomes
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By John Kariuki
The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) is stepping up efforts to secure better milk prices and improve farmer earnings as part of ongoing sector reforms. KDB Chairperson Genesius Mugo has been vocal in advocating for fair pricing, urging the government to implement a minimum farm gate price to protect farmers from exploitation by brokers.
Speaking at the launch of Kinangop Gold Yogurt by Kinangop Dairy Limited, Mugo emphasized that the current low milk prices are unsustainable and hinder farmers’ profitability despite their heavy investments. He supports President William Ruto’s directive for New KCC to buy milk at a minimum of KSh50 per litre, calling for industry-wide adoption of this pricing model.
Kinangop Dairy CEO Samuel Macharia highlighted the company’s farmer-friendly payment system, ensuring timely earnings four times a month to improve cash flow. The firm, which processes 104,000 litres daily, has invested in research and innovation to drive value addition and better returns for farmers.
Beyond pricing, KDB is also working on livestock health and disease control to align Kenya’s dairy industry with global export standards. Mugo believes Kenya has the potential to export at least one billion litres of dairy products annually with improved compliance and quality assurance.
With support from Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, who is investing in milk infrastructure and subsidized artificial insemination, the dairy sector is set for growth and transformation. Under Mugo’s leadership, KDB is driving policies that will ensure fair farmer compensation and a globally competitive dairy industry.
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