The Murang’a Co-operative Creameries (MCC) has recommenced its milk processing operations after being dormant since early 2022 due to administrative challenges. This revival was possible thanks to the county government’s decision to transfer the factory’s management to the County Co-operative Creameries Union. This union, comprising 34 co-operative societies with over 10,000 members, now channels 40,000 liters of milk to the factory daily.
At the management handover event, Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui applauded the initiative, highlighting that the national government, among other partners, is set to support the MCC. Chelugui revealed plans to boost dairy co-operatives through incentives designed to ramp up milk production. He emphasized the importance of the factory’s management shift to the farmers and called on the local county government to expand the factory’s production capabilities.
The factory, a brainchild of the previous county administration led by Mwangi wa Iria, faced operational hitches due to debts accrued to farmers, transporters, and other vendors. Upon Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s assuming office in August 2022, the factory was indebted to farmers and suppliers by over Sh100 million. Chelugui stressed the critical need to rejuvenate the facility, pointing out the disparity between the country’s milk production and the soaring demand both locally and internationally.
With the current annual milk production at 5.2 billion liters, the government’s ambition is to double this figure to over 10 billion liters. This goal will be pursued by bolstering all dairy co-operatives with subsidies, extension services, and access to quality animal feeds.
