KCC will not be privatised, says minister

By Vincent Mabatuk

The Ministry of Cooperative Development and Marketing has assured dairy farmers that Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) will not be privatised.

Speaking in Eldama Ravine town, Assistant minister Linah Kilimo said the Government would ensure KCC is strengthened for the sake of dairy farmers.

Ms Kilimo was reacting to complaints by dairy farmers from the region who through their chairman, Esau Tessot, said the collapse of KCC led to total failure of the local economy.

The collapse of KCC, according to them, saw prices go down but the private processors were happy because they made huge profits at the expense of farmers.

“Co-operatives minister and the Treasury must take seriously the concerns and fears of dairy farmers. Most farmers do not want KCC privatised, we want it returned to us,” said the chairman.

Tessot, who spoke during the launch of Baringo Agricultural Marketing Services Cooperative Society, said dairy farmers from Baringo County produce up to 100,000 litres daily.

Addressing the farmers, Baringo County governor aspirant Kiprono Chelugui said roads in the region should be fixed to save farmers from transport challenges.

“This should see poverty come down. We should see co-operative movement begin to play the key role that it should in reducing the income gap between the rich and the poor,” he explained.