North Rift Dairy Farmers Protest Over Delayed Milk Payments from KCC

By Esther Namarome 

Farmers in the North Rift region have taken to the streets to protest delayed payments for milk supplied to the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC). According to the farmers, KCC owes them Sh300 million, and they have not received any payment for the past six months.

The delay, they claim, has seriously affected their farming operations, making it difficult to meet daily expenses and cope with the rising cost of living. Some farmers warned that if the payments are not cleared soon, they may be forced to reduce their herds or even abandon dairy farming altogether.

During the protest, a representative of the farmers said, “We have been patient, but the delay in payment is crippling our livelihoods. We urge KCC to settle the outstanding dues immediately.” Farmers also demanded a clear payment schedule and assurances that future deliveries will be paid on time to prevent similar crises.

KCC has not yet issued an official response to the farmers’ claims. However, stakeholders in the dairy industry have called for urgent dialogue between the cooperative and the farmers to resolve the matter and ensure continuity in milk production.

The North Rift region is one of Kenya’s major milk-producing areas, and timely payments are crucial for sustaining small-scale dairy operations. Delays in payment can lead to severe consequences, including reduced milk output, loss of livestock, and financial strain on farming families.

Analysts say that addressing such delays is vital not only for the livelihoods of farmers but also for the stability of the dairy sector in Kenya, which supplies millions of households across the country.

The protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by dairy farmers, who continue to grapple with operational costs, rising living expenses, and the need for reliable market payments to maintain production.