This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 28, 2019, the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) received a significant boost in the form of half a billion shillings from the strategic food reserve to purchase surplus milk from farmers.
The funds, which amount to Kshs 500 million, are aimed at mitigating the effects of a milk surplus in the market, which has been exacerbated by the good rains in recent months.
According to Livestock Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, talks between the Treasury and the ministry are still ongoing to release an additional two billion shillings to mop up the milk surplus in the market.
Since the onset of the rains in August this year, milk production has increased significantly, leading to a monthly surplus of 105 million milk litres.
The Kenya Dairy Board has announced plans to crack down on illegal milk vendors and start random testing at milk ATMs to ensure that safety standards are upheld.
Meanwhile, New KCC has unveiled a new product, the Gold Crown Lactose Free Milk, which is the first of its kind in East Africa.
The product, which is a result of collaboration with Finnish firm Valio Dairy, is designed to cater to the growing demand for lactose-free milk in the region.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Peter Munya, assured consumers that the milk is safe and that they should ignore the notion that the quality of the milk is compromised.
The New KCC Managing Director, Nixon Sigey, said that the Gold Crown Lactose Free Milk is a response to the recent prevalence of lactose intolerance cases in the country and the larger East Africa region.
