Farmers oppose New KCC sale plan
By Charles Mwangi, December 6, 2023
Dairy farmers who supply milk to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (NKCC) have vehemently opposed the suggested sale of the State agency.
An association of the farmers led by their national chairman Muchemi Nderitu flanked by county chairpersons held a demonstration, protesting the move that they termed as ill-advised.
Speaking in Nakuru, the officials vowed to strongly fight for the corporation to remain a public entity against the intended privatisation.
“As an association, we fully reject any move to privatize the NKCC. This is a corporation that should at all costs remain public for the interest of farmers,” said Nderitu.
He pointed out that the revival of the milk processor done by late former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration was informed by the suffering of dairy farmers.
“When KCC collapsed milk prices had dropped to Sh5 per litre. When Kibaki revived it, the prices shot to Sh16 per litre even when there was glut,” said Nderitu.
The dairy farmers leaders said that the sale of NKCC would result to a collapse of the dairy sector as the processor plays the role of regulator against unfair private firms.
“It is the presence of NKCC in the market that has ensured milk prices remain at reasonable levels at all times. Without it, dairy farmers are doomed,” he said.