Blog

Overview Kinangop Dairy Limited was founded in 1999 by the late Livingstone Ndung’u Waithaka. The founder’s vision was to empower the farmers of North Kinangop. He did this by piloting an opportunity to tap into the milk-catchment area, rallying and improving the quality of farmer’s community life and conducting a continuous wealth generation for the people of Kinangop. Despite facing countless battles along the journey, his diligence and resilience , alongside fellow directors, experienced management and a multitude of Kinangop farmers who shared in his vision, brought Kinangop Dairy to where it is today. Currently recognized as one of the largest dairy processor in Kenya. He left behind his spirit of enthusiasm and an empowering vision to Kinangop Dairy limited. As KDL, we are set firm to infuse his legacy in our business operation and take the business to greater heights. His remarkable mentorship to the board of directors, executive and management staff has kept KDL as a perpetual company wavering all challenges that arise. As KDL, we are set firm to infuse his legacy in our business operation and take the business to greater heights. KDL has grown to support many stakeholders including shareholders, milk suppliers, Kinangop and Nyandarua business community, raw material suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and supermarket nationwide. Vision A Leading Processor of Quality Dairy Brands Mission To process and market quality dairy products through optimal utilization of resources and good business practices to deliver superior value to our stakeholders. Core Values Customer Centric We value each and every customer. The customer is at the center of all our activities. Transparency and Accountability We undertake all our endeavors in an open manner. We accept scrutiny of all our processes and activities because we believe they are devoid of any mischief Teamwork Together at KDL everyone achieves more. Integrity We are accountable and transparent in all our endeavors Innovation/ Creativity We thrive in new ways of doing things. We allow for disruptive thinking and action Professionalism All our functional areas are run by professionals from different spheres who lead in applying the best principles and ethos. departure rapturous situation. KINANGOP DAIRY PARTNERS MUKI Farmers Co-operative Society KDL has a backward milk sourcing strategic alliance with MUKI Farmers Co operative Society. The MUKI Farmers Co operative Society represents a group of over 29,000 Farmers doing dairy in the rich milk catchment area of Kinangop, slopes of Aberdare ranges. MUKI is actively involved through field extension services in measures aimed at improving the overall milk production of these Farmers. It aims at growing the average production of 8 liters to over 50 Liters per day per cow over the next few years. MUKI SACCO There is also another close partner MUKI SACCO who are a sister to MUKI Farmers and KDL that support the farmers with loans to improve their herds, pay school fees, medical support, as well as other commercial activity for the farmers who qualify. MUKI Investment Cooperative Another sister company is MUKI Investment Cooperative who are the investment arm of the group and a major shareholder of KDL. The MUKI Farmers form the bedrock of milk supply to KDL. https://kinangopdairy.co.ke/overview/ 1999 Company Established KINANGOP DAIRY LTD (KDL) was established and incorporated in 1999 as MKULIMA CREAMERIES LTD with an objective of buying, processing, packaging and distribution of Dairy Products using milk produced from the milk rich catchment areas of Kinangop 2006 Change of Names Mkulima Creameries Ltd changed it's name to Kinangop Dairy Limited due to the need of widening it's operations and associating Kinangop Farmers with the company as part of their heritage. 2008 - 2010 Milk Packaging Contract In February 2008, Kinangop Dairy Ltd kicked off a fresh milk contract packaging arrangement that run through to May 2010, when it eventually moved into it's own milk processing and packaging factory that started off with the original brand "Jamaa" Fresh Milk and subsequently launched the "Kinangop Fresh" Milk brand. Now KDL's ultramodern milk processing plant is located at Ndunyu Njeru Township (app. 120km from nairobi) at the nourished foothills of the Aberderes. It features equipment sourced from Europe and particularly Denmark, a world leader in Dairy Technology. https://kinangopdairy.co.ke/our-history/

Country Profile Situated in Eastern Africa, the Republic of Kenya is a country of remarkable diversity, strategic importance, and vibrant growth. It presently has a population of approximately 54.9 million people, according to statistics from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics. 2024 UN estimates. Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, sits in the south-central part of the country and serves as a major regional, political, economic, and cultural hub in Africa. The national language of the Republic is Kiswahili while the official languages are Kiswahili and English. The State promotes and protects the diversity of language of the people of Kenya; and promotes the development and use of indigenous languages, Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other communication formats and technologies accessible to persons with disabilities. Geography and Borders Kenya is strategically positioned in the heart of East Africa, bordered by It is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, the Indian Ocean is located to the southeast. The country’s geographical diversity has led to Kenya being home to a variety of natural wonders, including the Great Rift Valley, towering Mount Kenya, and lush, fertile highlands in the central region. Kenya’s strategic position on the Indian Ocean offers it a unique advantage as a key maritime gateway to East and Central Africa. The country’s location has made it a crucial hub for trade and investment, connecting Africa with global shipping routes and markets in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Economy Kenya embarked on a comprehensive programme of economic reforms designed to deregulate the economy and put it on the path of rapid employment generating growth. Sustained effort by the government to tighten fiscal and monetary policies since mid-1993 has been effective in stabilizing the economy and contributing to the revival of economic growth. Annual inflation has been contained to a single digit. Tight control on the budget has been accompanied by tax reforms aimed at reducing the tax rates and broadening the tax base. On structural reforms, the government has since mid-1993 made significant strides. It has eliminated exchange controls including restrictions on inward portfolio investments and removed all trade restrictions, except for a short list of a few products controlled for health, security and environmental reasons. Stable macro-economic conditions, liberalized markets, and more operations of the strategic public enterprises are expected to enhance the level and the efficiency of private investment, and result in increased income and job creation. The government is supporting the Private Sector and especially export-oriented industrialization with a longer-term objective of achieving the status of a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) by the year 2020. Tourism Kenya is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. From the majestic Mount Kenya and the expansive Great Rift Valley to the pristine white-sand beaches along the Indian Ocean, the country offers a wide array of experiences for visitors. The country is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) found in national parks and game reserves. Kenya’s warm climate is favourable for tourism with different regions offering a different feel. The diverse geography also supports an impressive range of flora and fauna, making Kenya one of the world’s top destinations for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. Cultural Diversity Kenya is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-racial country where diverse groups coexist peacefully. With more than 40 ethnic groups, the nation’s rich cultural mosaic is celebrated through vibrant music, art, festivals, and traditions forming an essential part of Kenyan life, while Nairobi’s urban culture pulses with contemporary art, film, and fashion.

Mount Kenya Dairy Growth and Progress Since its formation in 1967, Meru Dairy has steadily expanded its reach and capacity. Through investment in modern technology, training programs for farmers, and a commitment to quality, we have transformed from a small-scale operation into a nationally recognized brand. Today, Meru Dairy proudly handles an intake of over 600,000 litres of milk every single day. This remarkable growth reflects not only the dedication of our farmers but also the trust our customers place in us. Kenya’s Largest Dairy Cooperative Meru Dairy is the biggest dairy cooperative in Kenya, commanding an impressive 31% share of the national dairy market and processing over 600,000 litres of milk every single day. This achievement is a testament to the strength of our farmer network, the efficiency of our operations and the unwavering support of our community. It underscores our role as a national leader in driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity within the dairy sector, while setting the benchmark for excellence in Kenya’s dairy industry. Mount Kenya Fresh Milk Our Milk has been treated using latest technologies to bring out the delicious natural taste of milk. It truly the cool mountain freshness. Mount Kenya Yoghurt Our yoghurt is delicious and nutritious, it comes in two flavors, Strawberry and Vanilla. Mount Kenya Lala Our lala is amazing, it’s been produced under stringent conditions to bring our the real taste of lala. Mount Kenya Ghee Our ghee has been prepared by experts to ensure you get to enjoy all your cooking giving you tasty and nutritious food. FOOD SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Meru Central Dairy Co-operative Union Ltd (MCDCU) is committed to producing safe, wholesome and high-quality dairy products. MCDCU top management is committed to ensure that this policy is effectively communicated, implemented and maintained at all levels of the organization and supported by measurable objectives. In pursuit of this commitment, MCDCU is dedicated to full compliance with all applicable food safety requirements including statutory, regulatory and mutually agreed customer food safety requirements and maintaining KS ISO 22000:2018 compliant food safety system. MCDCU ensures effective communication of food safety information internally across all departments and externally with suppliers, customers, regulators and other relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency in the food safety chain at all times. MCDCU ensures that adequate resources, training and support are provided to enhance employee competence and awareness of their roles in maintaining food safety. MCDCU ensures continual improvement of an effective Food Safety Management System (FSMS). To maintain its suitability, this food safety policy will be reviewed from time to time. Meru, Kenya reference source https://merudairy.co.ke/ https://merudairy.co.ke/about/ https://merudairy.co.ke/food-safety-policy-statement/

KENYA Kenya is the leading milk producer in East Africa. Dairy is the largest agricultural sub-sector in Kenya in terms of income and employment creation contributing to 4% to overall GDP. Currently the sector provides income and employment to over 1.5 million households across the dairy value chain (farmers, collectors, processors, traders, input and service providers, etc.). The country has around 6.1 million dairy cows, producing about 607 kg/year/cow, and a total annual production around 3,7 million kg of milk. Different feeding systems are present in Kenya free grazing, semi zero-grazing (with improved pastures) and zero-grazing. Kenya’s dairy industry is private sector driven. In terms of nutrition and food security, almost all Kenyans consume milk on a daily basis (about 98 kg /capita/year in milk equivalent). The industry’s growth and competitiveness are constrained by low productivity at farm level, seasonality in milk production, milk quality issues, a huge knowledge and skills gap and lack of inclusiveness in the dairy value chain. Kenya's dairy sector is known for its innovations in communication technology for the benefit of small farmers. The three dairies involved in the project are: Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Ltd Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy ltd has a work force of 300 employees including permanent and casual workers. Currently, the processor has a membership of 7,400 farmers who are currently supplying 7,000 litres of milk per day. Currently, the milk supply is low because of the current drought that the area has been experiencing. The products produced include Royal fresh milk, Royal fresh yourghut and cheese. Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy main market for its milk products is Nairobi. Besides milk processing, the processor have a wing known as Bora feeds that produces animal concentrates. New Kenya Cooperative Creameries Ltd (New KCC Ltd) New KCC Ltd operates since 1908 and is the second largest milk processor in Kenya. New KCC has a daily milk intake of 350,000 kg of milk collected from five main collection areas (clusters) Dandora, Eldoret, Miritini, Nyahururu and Sotic. New KCC Ltd has access to a wide network of milk collection centres in 22 milk cooling plants & processing factories as well as over 30 satellite milk coolers, with plans already underway to add 20 new coolers in milk producing areas where new milk collection centres have already been identified across the country. Its core business has been the procurement of high quality raw milk which is then processed, packaged and marketed as milk and milk products. Happy Cow Ltd Happy Cow Ltd is a milk processor from Nakuru that started operations in 1996 following the liberalization of the Kenyan dairy sector. It started off with a daily milk intake of 100 litres a day and was primarily focused on bringing Dutch cheese making expertise to the Kenyan market. In 2004, Happy Cow Ltd become a fully-fledged dairy manufacturer producing cheeses and fermented dairy products such as yoghurts and mala. It supplies leading supermarkets, restaurants and hotels nationwide, and also exporting some of its products within the East African Community. The company has 125 staff and has grown its daily raw milk intake to about 9,000 litres per day which is amongst others sourced from Olenguruone Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society. Challenges Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Ltd: Adaptation of cow management to climate change ; Genetic improvements (cows that can resist drought  with high milk yield and reasonable feeding needs due to land scarcity) ; include the youth in milk production ; improving milk quality and safety. New KCC Ltd : (i) to make a strong dairy chain and to improve interaction between the various chain actors, (ii) to increase competitiveness in terms of costs along the chain, (iii) to promote environmentally friendly practices such as the use of biogas, (iv) and to build ICT platform as a source of data on feeding, breeding, and for farm support. Since 2014, Happy Cow has been piloting an approach to improve the quality of milk collected from smallholder dairy farmers through a Quality Based Milk Payment System (QBMPS). https://www.africa-milk.org/study-sites/kenya