Unrest Affects Milk Deliveries in Kenya

KENYA - Milk deliveries to New Kenya Cooperative Creameries Eldoret depot have declined by half, due to post election violence in parts of the North Rift region reports The Nation.

22 January 2008

2 minute read

Africa

Post election violence in Eldoret has affected milk deliveries as farmers fear for their security. Dairy farmers in the region have also complained of lack of animal feed

The factory is receiving 11,000 litres of milk daily, down from 25,000 it was collecting before the violence erupted says the report.

"The violence has impacted negatively on the operations of the factory. We are receiving less deliveries as farmers fear for their security," said KCC director Kipkorir Menjo.

Diary farmers in the region have also complained of lack of animal feed as they cannot access the market to purchase the products. "Our animals are facing food shortage. We cannot access market to purchase them due to insecurity," said Mr Thomas Chepkwony, a farmer from Ziwa.

According to The Nation The violence has threatened to disrupt programmes this season, since most farmers cannot plough their farms or purchase inputs. Land preparation in the region, especially in Nandi North and South Districts as well as Uasin Gishu, begins this month in readiness for the planting season that follows.

"The price of almost all farm inputs including fuel and fertiliser have increased, forcing us to consider reducing acreage under cultivation this season," said Samuel Kirui of Nandi North. The displaced families have also expressed fears that they might not be able to take their children to school this year due to lack of fees and shelter.

"I have no home or food. It will be impossible for me to take my children to secondary school this year, as I have no money," said Mr Joseph Maina, who is among the displaced camping at the Eldoret ASK grounds.

More detail: The Nation