The government has set aside Ksh.500 million to modernize and improve the country's New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) to increase milk production and efficiency.

On Thursday, co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said in Eldoret that the expansion plant is expected to expand milk production for export to neighboring nations.

PHOTO | COURTESY KSH 500 set aside to renovate KCC

Chelugui said the state plans to expand milk output from 4.2 million to 10.2 million liters annually.

 The CS emphasised the initiative to educate farmers about cultivating coffee in the region to increase farming income.

"Counties such as Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and Trans Nzoia have yet to prioritise coffee farming." Chelugui added, "We will soon launch the Coffee Cherry Advance Fund here to give farmers advance payment."

PHOTO | COURTESY KCC

The CS launched the fund on Tuesday in Machakos County, where he informed farmers of the state's resolve to pay them Ksh.80 per kg.

"We pay Ksh.40 when we arrive at the factory and another Ksh.40 when we arrive at the mill, and this is not a loan." "One month after harvesting, payment is guaranteed," he informed Machakos farmers.