President William Ruto has directed New Kenya Cooperative Creameries to increase farmers' milk prices.
The head of state said the increase should be from Sh45 to Sh50.
Speaking during the inauguration of the upgraded New KCC in Nyahururu, Ruto said the prices of milk should be constant regardless of the season.
"Nataka niwaambie watu wa KCC kwamba tulikua tumekubaliana mkulima alipwe Sh50. Kwanza mwezi wa tatu tarehe moja muanze kulipa wakulima io pesa tulikubaliana, ndio tutaweza kufukuza hawkers," he said.
This is loosely translated to: "I want to tell the management of KCC that we had earlier agreed that farmers should be paid Sh50. Starting March 1, the company should pay up the amount we agreed on so that we can chase away hawkers who make business difficult".
Further, Ruto said his administration is focusing on delivering its mandate to the farmers, as he had made promises during campaigns.
"Tunataka mkulima ajue kwamba akizalisha maziwa kuna mahali atapeleka na apate pesa ajitegemee," he said.
(We want to make sure that the farmers have a ready market when they produce milk and are paid on time so that they become independent)
The head of state also said KCC should ensure that they pay farmers just the way other Kenyans are receiving their pay at the end of the month.
He said the changes should be made consecutively for the next three months.
The president, additionally, ordered KCC to pay farmers every 15 days from July 1, 2024.
"Wacha tujaribu 15 days kwanza tuhakikishe kwamba wakulima wetu wamelipwa. Mimi ntaenda kuamrisha madeni yote ilipwe, ata sisi serikali tutamaliza deni."
(Let us first start with the 15 days and ensure that the farmers are paid. I am going to order those who have debts to pay up their dues. The government will also pay the debts)
