More than 10,000 dairy farmers in Trans Nzoia County who supply milk to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) are growing increasingly frustrated after not receiving payments totaling about 120 million shillings for their milk deliveries over the past three months.
The Kenya National Farmers Federation (Kenaff) representative in Trans Nzoia, Tom Nyangechanga, said the situation has placed significant financial strain on farmers who rely on regular payments from New KCC to sustain their livelihoods and businesses.
“Farmers are not just waiting for payment; they are struggling to survive. Some have taken out loans and are now at risk of defaulting. For many, this money is not just about profit—it’s about feeding their families and keeping their farms afloat,” Nyangechanga told journalists in Kitale town.
He said the unpaid amounts are severely impacting farmers’ ability to manage their operations, including purchasing animal feeds, which have become increasingly expensive. Without timely payments, many farmers now face the grim reality of mounting debts, even as the cost of inputs like feed continues to rise.
The farmers have also expressed concerns about the apparent lack of commitment from New KCC’s management to resolve the issue. They said they are repeatedly told to wait for payment the following month, but those promises never materialize, despite their continued, committed milk supply amid the ongoing delays.
“We are calling on Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, to intervene in this matter. The company is making profits from our supplies, yet we have been denied our dues. This is a major setback to the government’s agenda of revitalizing the economy through sectors like agriculture,” said Mr. Nyangechanga.
The issue has sparked wider concerns about the future of Kenya’s dairy sector, as farmers face not only financial hardship but also the threat of losing their businesses altogether if the situation is not urgently addressed. For many, the next few months could be make-or-break for their farms.
