Milk Prices to Reach Ksh.60, Farmers Urged to Seize Opportunity

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced government measures to alleviate a milk glut, assuring dairy farmers of forthcoming higher earnings.

Gachagua revealed that the government had allocated Ksh.900 million to Kenya Cooperative Creameries to purchase excess milk, preventing a decline in prices due to oversupply.

Thanks to this intervention, milk prices are slated to rise to Ksh.50 per litre from March 1, 2024, up from Ksh.45. Gachagua expressed the government’s intention to further increase prices to above Ksh.60 per litre in the near future.

“We have injected Ksh.900 million to stabilize milk prices following a glut caused by heavy rains. Prices at Kenya Cooperative Creameries will climb from Ksh.45 to Ksh.50 per litre effective March 1, with further increments expected,” stated Gachagua.

He encouraged dairy farmers to supply their milk to New KCC to capitalize on the improved prices.

Gachagua made these remarks during a Sunday Holy Mass at St Andrew Kaggwa Catholic Church in Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, where he also presided over a fundraiser for the church’s new premises.

Additionally, he urged farmers in Trans Nzoia to expand maize cultivation, citing the availability of subsidized fertilizer priced at Ksh.2,500 per 50kg bag.

“Trans Nzoia County plays a vital role in our nation’s food security. Subsidized fertilizer is easily accessible here, thanks to Governor George Natembeya’s efforts in distribution,” Gachagua remarked, advising farmers to retain a portion of their harvests for personal consumption.

Addressing concerns about school levies, Gachagua cautioned teachers against sending students home over uniform or desk-related issues, threatening disciplinary measures for non-compliance. He urged teachers to grant parents ample time to procure necessary supplies for their children.

Furthermore, Gachagua emphasized the importance of unity among leaders in Trans Nzoia for accelerated development, commending Governor Natembeya for collaborating with the government despite political differences.

He also extended the call for unity to leaders in the Western region, urging them to work together for the region’s prosperity.

Gachagua’s statements were echoed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Host MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, and several other MPs and local leaders accompanying him.