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{
    "id": 1613630,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1613630/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 49,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Murango",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I have two statements arising from a crisis in Kirinyaga County. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53(1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on a matter of county-wide concern regarding the drastic reduction in milk collection volumes from Kirima Slopes Dairy Cooperative Societies in Kirinyaga County by the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) and Meru Central Dairy Union. Kirima Slopes Dairy Cooperative Society represents over 6,000 smallholder farmers and has consistently delivered 75,000 litres of milk per day; 45,000 litres to KCC and 30,000 litres to Meru Central Daily Union. However, these volumes have been slashed drastically without prior consultation or justification. Meru Central Dairy Union issued a one-day notice limiting intake to 15,000 litres, while KCC has further reduced their collection to 25,000 litres. This abrupt action has created a surplus of 35,000 litres per day, overwhelming storage capacity, leading to direct losses estimated to be Kshs2 million daily. In the Statement, the Committee should address the following- (1) Reasons behind the abrupt reduction in milk collection by new KCC and Meru Central Dairy Union from Kirima Slopes Dairy Cooperative and why affected farmers were not given adequate notice or alternative arrangement despite having a contract. (2) Why suppliers outside Meru County, especially in Kirinyaga, are being affected or penalised despite their loyalty during dry seasons while milk collection continues uninterrupted in most of the regions. (3) Immediate and long-term measures the State Department of Livestock is taking to absorb surplus milk, including efforts to expand cooling infrastructure in Kirinyaga and provide timely market access to prevent post-harvest losses. (4) Policy interventions in place to protect small-scale dairy cooperatives from sudden disruptions in supply chains that ensure their stability and sustainability. (5) The Government's strategies to regulate milk and dairy imports from Uganda, including plans to protect local producers and processors from unfair competition. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}