The government will start paying milk farmers Sh50 per litre this Friday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
He said the government has allocated Sh5 billion to modernise the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries to improve efficiency.
Gachagua spoke during Embu Livestock, Dairy and Fisheries Exhibition at Kalro grounds in Embu town on Friday.
"Starting today, March 1, New KCC will pay dairy farmers Sh50 per litre, up from Sh45, and the management must settle farmers' pending payments for the last three months by next week," he said.
The DP said the government is committed to assisting farmers in acquiring high quality animal breeds that are cost-effective in terms of feed consumption.
Gachagua urged the Embu government to implement programmes that promote agriculture.
The DP highlighted the government's efforts to implement reforms in the agricultural sector, drawing attention to successful reforms in tea, coffee, avocado and macadamia.
He said the government is steadfast in maintaining stability in prices, not only for macadamia but also for coffee, tea and avocado to shield farmers from price fluctuations.
"We recognise the concerns raised by farmers on avocado, macadamia and other products. We will conduct a comprehensive review of taxes to address the issues raised and promote a fair agricultural environment," Gachagua said.
He also urged the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru Association (Gema) to unite and support their leaders.
"As Gema, we must present a united front and reject divisive politics propagated by a few leaders," Gachagua said.
He was accompanied by Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo, Senator Alexander Mundigi and National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock chairperson John Mutunga (Tigania West MP).
Others included Embu Woman Rep Njoki Njeru, MPs Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Nebart Bernard Muriuki (Mbeere South), Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), Julius Rutto (Kesses) and Amina Dika (Tana River Woman Rep) and MCAs.
