The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon Simon Kiprono Chelugui, EGH, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Co-operatives Patrick Kilemi, led a delegation from the Ministry to meet Jeroen Elfers, the Director of Dairy Development at FrieslandCampina Headquarters, Hague, Netherlands 🇳🇱
FrieslandCampina is one of the largest dairy cooperatives globally, with an impressive number of member dairy farms and farmers.
They currently have 9,927 member dairy farms and 15,137 member dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. These member dairy farmers hold a co-ownership stake in the company through the cooperative structure.
Chelugui later visited one of the leading dairy farmers in Amersoof. This visit highlights the commitment of the Kenyan government, under the leadership of President William Samoei Ruto, to enhance the dairy value chain in order to increase milk production and improve the domestic, regional, and international markets.
In Kenya, dairy farming is a key component of the Cooperatives initiative, which aims to partner with dairy farmers to improve milk quality, reduce production costs, achieve sustainable productivity at the farm level, and ensure that farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their milk.
The Kenyan government acknowledges the importance of the dairy sector in contributing to the country’s economy and food security. Therefore, efforts are being made to strengthen the value chain by implementing supportive policies, providing financial and technical assistance to farmers, and promoting market access opportunities.
Improving the quality of milk and reducing production costs are crucial aspects of enhancing the dairy sector’s competitiveness. This includes investing in modern farming practices, promoting proper animal care and nutrition, and adopting efficient milk processing and preservation techniques. By doing so, the government aims to increase milk production and meet the growing demand in both local and international markets.
The guarantee of a minimum price enables farmers to have a sustainable income, plan their operations effectively, and invest in their farms’ development.
Through collaborations with dairy cooperatives, government support, and commitment to enhancing the dairy value chain, the Kenyan government aims to increase milk production, improve market access, and promote the growth and competitiveness of the dairy sector both domestically and internationally.
