Government revives Garissa dairy plant for livestock economic boost

The government has announced the revival of the Korakora Hidiq Milk Women Group Dairy Processing plant in Garissa Township Sub-County which collapsed six years ago. 

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke who toured the facility said the dairy plant will be fully operationalised to provide livestock farmers with an opportunity for a ready market.

The Principal Secretary who was accompanied by officials from the ministry and Kenya Dairy Board said the revival plan was part of the government's effort to revitalise the dairy sector. 

"The dairy sector is one of the key value chains in the government's plan, set to contribute to economic transformation," said the PS. He said the government was fully committed to strengthening the dairy and leather sector in the ASAL counties.

Mueke further announced the opening of new offices for both the Kenya Dairy Board and Leather Development Council in Garissa town to support plans to enhance the commercialisation of the livestock sector. 

The Principal Secretary also attended the Garissa livestock farmers exhibition held at the Farmers Training Center in Garissa town where he assured livestock farmers market linkages and resources that will economically empower them. 

Garissa livestock farmers exhibit dairy products at the Farmers Training Center

The event was organised by the Kenya Dairy Board to train livestock farmers on how to keep livestock of quality and quantity that aligns with market demands.

The Chairman of the Kenya Dairy Board also encouraged farmers to practice the milk safety standards and ways of increasing milk production from cow, goat and camel that they learnt during the sensitisation programme by the Kenya Dairy Board. 

Garissa township MP Dekow M Barrow who spoke during the event appreciated the move to establish new offices for the Kenya Dairy Board and National Leather Council in Garissa town. 

He said the offices will empower the livestock farmers in market linkages and will promote the production of value-added products. 

The parliamentary committee chairman of Agriculture and Livestock MP John Mutunga was among the guests who attended the event.