Matungulu Dairy Farmers Celebrate Milestone with Opening of New Milk Processing Plant
The new processing facility marks a major turning point for farmers, better positioning them to compete in Kenya’s growing dairy market.
Farmers will from now be able to process their milk at the local level through pasteurization and pack value-added dairy products such as yoghurt and mala, thanks to the new plant. Photo/courtesy.
By Thomas Pkiror
Already considered a boon to dairy farmers in Matungulu, Machakos County, the official opening of a new milk processing plant is poised to increase earnings for them and change the face of the dairy industry in the area.
The ultra-modern facility, estimated at more than Ksh 10 million, was solely set up through farmers’ own contributions from savings and share capital, without any bank loans or any other external sources of funding. Members of the cooperative had earlier bought a piece of land where the construction of the plant has now successfully been completed.
During the launch, Dr. Douglas Makewa, who was among the architects of the dream, praised farmers for their discipline, unity, and determination that turned the dream into a reality. He said every member contributed Ksh 2 for every litre of milk sold, whose proceeds were turned into individual shares that eventually financed the construction.
Other funds came from the sale of a pickup truck that the farmers had won in an M-Pesa promotion, which was sold to raise further capital needed for the project. “Every drop of milk that we contributed has brought us to this historic moment,” Dr Makewa said. “This facility is not just a building; it is a testament to what farmers can achieve when they come together behind a common vision.”
https://www.hubzmedia.africa/m-pesa-festival-empowers-small-businesses-across-rift-valley-with-digital-and-financial-tools/ This development is anticipated to increase profitability significantly through reducing reliance on the sale of raw milk to middlemen and ensuring better earnings for producers. Currently, more than 3,700 litres of milk are collected and delivered by the cooperative.
The inception of the Matungulu Dairy Cooperative dates back to the year 1996, when a few farmers around Katuanyaa market shared a common vision for improving milk production and enhancing incomes. From fewer than ten members then, the group has now grown to a membership exceeding 300, with 85 active participants. Over the years, the cooperative also benefited from both the national and county governments through the provision of milk coolers, weighing machines, and solar heating systems. The new processing facility marks a major turning point for farmers, better positioning them to compete in Kenya’s growing dairy market and secure a brighter economic future.
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