More than 10,000 dairy farmers in Trans Nzoia County who
supply milk to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) are growing
increasingly frustrated after not receiving payments totaling about 120 million
shillings for their milk deliveries over the past three months.
The Kenya National Farmers Federation (Kenaff)
representative in Trans Nzoia, Tom Nyangechanga, said the situation has placed
significant financial strain on farmers who rely on regular payments from New
KCC to sustain their livelihoods and businesses.
"Farmers are not just waiting for payment; they are
struggling to survive. Some have taken out loans and are now at risk of
defaulting. For many, this money is not just about profit—it's about feeding
their families and keeping their farms afloat," Nyangechanga told
journalists in Kitale town.
He said the unpaid amounts are severely impacting farmers'
ability to manage their operations, including purchasing animal feeds, which
have become increasingly expensive. Without timely payments, many farmers now
face the grim reality of mounting debts, even as the cost of inputs like feed
continues to rise.
The farmers have also expressed concerns about the apparent
lack of commitment from New KCC's management to resolve the issue. They said
they are repeatedly told to wait for payment the following month, but those
promises never materialize, despite their continued, committed milk supply amid
the ongoing delays.
“We are calling on Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi
Kagwe, to intervene in this matter. The company is making profits from our
supplies, yet we have been denied our dues. This is a major setback to the
government's agenda of revitalizing the economy through sectors like
agriculture,” said Mr. Nyangechanga.
The issue has sparked wider concerns about the future of
Kenya's dairy sector, as farmers face not only financial hardship but also the
threat of losing their businesses altogether if the situation is not urgently
addressed. For many, the next few months could be make-or-break for their
farms.