New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) has received half a billion shillings from the strategic food reserve to purchase surplus milk from farmers occasioned by good rains in recent months.
Livestock Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai says talks between Treasury and the ministry are still ongoing to release an additional two billion shillings to mop up milk surplus in the market in efforts to steady prices in coming months.
Since the onset of the rains in August this year, milk production has increased significantly leading to a monthly surplus of 105 million milk litres surplus.
The Kenya Dairy Board says it plans to crack down on illegal milk vendors and start random testing at milk ATMS to safety standards are upheld.
Get breaking news on your Mobile as-it-happens. SMS ‘NEWS’ to 20153
This emerged as New KCC unveiled the Gold Crown Lactose free milk, which is the first of its kind in East Africa with parastatal banking on product diversification to increase its market share.
This was done in collaboration with Finnish firm Valio Dairy.
The milk will give lactose intolerant consumers an option to enjoy milk and dairy products.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Peter Munya, said that the new product will address the consumer preferences in dairy products.
“I would like to confirm to the consumers that our milk is safe and they should ignore the notion that is being spread that the quality of the milk is compromised as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) confirmed to me that largely products produced within the country are safe,” said Munya.
The New KCC Managing Director (MD), Nixon Sigey, said that the Gold Crown Lactose Free Milk is a response to the recent prevalence of lactose intolerance cases in the country and the lager East Africa region.
“This new product will provide lactose intolerant Kenyans with an opportunity to enjoy their milk again. The milk is a delicious option that not only retains the great taste of regular milk but also help eliminate abdominal discomfort,” said Sigey.
He said that the launch of such an innovative product confirms their commitment to continue to invest in product research and development widening the range of lactose free products.
“For those with lactose intolerance, consuming regular milk can cause digestive issues, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and belching, hence the lactose free milk comes with natural taste, colour and aroma,” added Sigey.
The MD further said that the milk is available in a 250 ml, 500 ml and one litre packs, and will be sold in all outlets and retail at Sh150 per litre.
“The milk is suitable for drinking, cooking, baking, use with cereals and essentially all the usage of milk and is fit from the weaning age and above,” said the MD.
He added that the launch the new KCC value proposition ties into the overall ongoing billion-shilling modernization upgrade agenda that has seen the company invest in the modernization of its facilities.
