This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) is facing a major financial crisis, which has led to a significant delay in paying farmers who supply the firm with livestock. The farmers, who are owed Sh380 million, have been protesting at the gates of the KMC in Athi River, demanding payment.
According to the farmers, the payments have been delayed for the last three years, and they are calling on the government to intervene. One of the farmers, Rotet ole Lepet from Narok County, said that despite pushing the KMC management, all he has received are empty promises.
''All I get from the management are unfulfilled promises. I took loans to do this business and now the banks are on my neck," said Mr Lepet.
Abdi Ali Hunahuna, another farmer who is owed Sh10 million by the firm, said that the debt has made him relocate from his home county of Garissa to Kajiado. He had purchased some of the livestock on debt and had planned to sell it to KMC and eventually pay back his debtors.
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, KMC Managing Commissioner James Sereni said that the farmers' debt will be settled in the shortest time possible. However, the firm is currently facing operational challenges, with production having gone down significantly. When the meat firm was operating at full capacity, it would slaughter 7,000 animals a week, but the figure has now plummeted to 200 animals.
KMC's total debt now stands at Sh1.1 billion, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture. Most farmers, especially from arid areas, are now shying from supplying the firm with livestock due to lack of pay.
