Matungulu Farmers Celebrate Launch of Ksh10 Million Milk Processing Plant

 

By Thomas Pkiror

 Dairy farmers in Matungulu are celebrating a major milestone following the official opening of a Ksh10 million milk processing plant that is expected to boost their incomes and strengthen the local dairy value chain.

The state-of-the-art facility, located in Katuanyaa, was fully financed through farmers’ savings, shares, and individual contributions — without any bank loans. The cooperative had earlier purchased the land, paving the way for the construction of the modern plant.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Douglas Makewa praised the farmers for their unity and discipline, noting that the project was the result of years of collective effort and sacrifice.

“Every drop of milk contributed has brought us to this moment,” Dr. Makewa said. “This facility is more than a building — it’s a symbol of what farmers can achieve when they come together with a shared goal.”

To raise funds, members contributed Ksh2 from every litre of milk sold, with the proceeds later converted into individual shares. Additional funds were raised through the sale of a pickup truck the farmers had won in an M-Pesa promotion, which was reinvested into the project.

The new plant will enable the cooperative to pasteurize milk and produce value-added products such as yoghurt and mala, reducing dependence on raw milk sales and improving profitability. Currently, farmers in the area deliver over 3,700 litres of milk daily.

The cooperative traces its roots to 1996, when a small group of less than ten farmers at Katuanyaa market came together to improve milk production and income. It has since grown to more than 300 registered members, with 85 active contributors.

Over the years, the group has also benefited from national and county government support, including equipment such as milk coolers, weighing scales, and solar heating systems.)