NYERI, Kenya, March 10 – Dairy farmers in Nyeri county are set to benefit from a multi-million milk processing plant set up by Canadian government at Nyeri national polytechnic.
The plant has a capacity of processing 2000 litres after every two hours. It is part of the Canada – Kenya education for employment program funded at a cost of USD50 million(Sh6.4billion) across ten national polytechnics around the country.
“We are commercializing this plant for the benefit of the community and eventual sustainability so that we collect milk from surrounding dairy farmers at a competitive price ” said the institution principal David Mwangi.
Currently, the students at the Nyeri national polytechnic are processing yogurt, cheese, and fresh milk.
Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga who was present during the handover of the plant said his government will collaborate with the institution for its success.
“Currently we have over 177 dairy cooperative societies delivering milk to existing processors such as Brookside, KCC, Wakulima among others we will work with you and ensure you get demand, we are happy that the milk market is opening up with the entry of more processors,” said Kahiga.
Kahiga said that his government will also sponsor county workers to study at the plant to further improve dairy farming.
On his part Canada high commissioner Christopher Thornly said that the plant is part of his government’s efforts to eradicate poverty through the training of skilled youths in all spheres.
“As a country, we will renew this funding and ensure Kenya has a skilled workforce through TVETS which are the baseline of skilled workforce,” said Thornly.
Nyeri county milk production stands at 115 million litres per year with milk processors paying between Sh40 to Sh45 per litre delivered to them.
