New KCC to buy 1,000 milk coolers

The New Kenya Cooperative Creameries will instal 1,000 coolers in different parts of the country to reduce losses incurred by dairy farmers.

The managing director, Dr Kipkurui Langat, said the coolers will be put up with the assistance of development partners including the East African Dairy Development.

Dr Langat said farmers needed coolers urgently to stem wastage which resulted from milk getting contaminated before being sold.

“Milk must be put in a cooler less than two hours after being milked and we want to install as many coolers near farmers as possible,’’ he said.

Economies of scale

However, for farmers to be given a cooler the MD said they should be producing between 3,000 and 5,000 litres of milk a day to achieve economies of scale.

Dr Langat challenged farmers to come together and form modern day cooperative societies.

For farmers who have achieved 5,000 litres the company has recommended farm tanks at an average cost of Sh3.8 million.

He was speaking to hundreds of farmers during an agricultural exhibition held at the farm of Kipkelion Member of Parliament Magerer Langat in Siret, Kipkelion district.

The chief guest was Home Affairs Assistant Minister Beatrice Kones, who represented Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei.