First President farmers’ society of choice on deathbed

By Vincent Mabatuk

Koibatek, Kenya: The rainy season comes with many things — good and bad.

For farmers in Rift Valley, it marks the start of high milk production, increased expenditure on planting and school fees.

In Eldama Ravine, this period reminds them of good old days when founding President Jomo Kenyatta led a delegation of who’s who in corporate and political arena to Sabatia Farmers’ Co-operative Society (SFCS).

The society was a place where residents showcased their best livestock breeds. It was the best-managed cooperative society not only in Koibatek District but the entire country. Residents would use proceeds from milk to cater for household needs and pay school fees.

Once famous

However, the society grounded around the year 2002 when former President Moi retired. SFCS is now a shadow of its former self. A ‘tattered’ feeder road extends into the institution from the main Nakuru-Eldama Ravine Road. There is no indication that economically viable activities take place at the once famous institution.

A canopy of green trees welcome one to the road leading to the former giant society.The institution was started in 1963 and was aimed at improving the living standards of residents. It was supposed to turn around the economy of the area, whose mainstay is livestock keeping.

Residents who spoke to The Standard were nostalgic about the society that scooped best awards in early 1970s.

Inside the bushy compound, workers go on with their business undisturbed, though there is little to do.

There are several dilapidated farm equipment, which have become an eyesore.

Only two buildings inside the facility are new while the rest are made of old timber and rusted iron sheets.

The buildings, residents said, have been in existence since SFCS started.

According to chairman Eric Kiptanui, the society was greatly affected by closure of Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC).

However, he said the society is now getting a new lease of life after Brookside dairy started operations in the area.

According to Kiptanui, with revival of KCC and entrance of Brookside, dairy farmers are looking forward to good times. However, establishment of two flower farms, Karen Roses and Mosop Roses, in the area has seen hundreds of farmers sell their farms and migrate to other region affecting milk production.

Mr Kiptanui acknowledged the society has gone through challenging times due to low milk supply and discouraging prices paid to farmers.

“Unlike before, milk consumption in the area has increased, but it is true most farmers have abandoned dairy farming,” said Kiptanui. During the colonial period, white settlers donated high breed cows to natives thus there was high milk yield.

Managerial positions

“Everybody who was allocated land was also given two high breed pregnant cows. This improved the quantity and quality of milk but this was cut short after farmers went for local bulls,” lamented Kiptanui.

Kenyatta’s government also supplied farmers with free artificial insemination services until early 80s when the Mministry of Livestock suspended the programme.

Kiptanui accused the youth of failing to recognise dairy farming as a profitable venture.

However, young farmers accuse the ‘old guard’ of denying them opportunities.

“We appreciate the importance of dairy farming but we have been locked out of key managerial positions by the old guard. Sabatia went to the drain because of mismanagement,” said Wilson Kiprop, a resident.

Mr Kiprop noted it is not logical for the society to lose between 300-400 litres of milk daily because of late deliveries. SFCS management blamed the wastage on poor road network.

Currently, they collect 8,000 litres monthly from about 2,000 members.

Young farmers are categorical that unless milk prices are increased from the current Sh30, dairy farming in the region will stagnate.

About 50 years after its inception, the society has only five old tractors, a lorry and a pick-up vehicle.

A milk cooler that was burnt down about 20 years ago was replaced by Brookside few years ago.

“Milk processing firms that came to the area the other day own hundreds of trucks, supply milks to local supermarkets and other outlets but this society remains stuck,” complained Sarah Kimeron, a dairy farmer.