Dairy farmers across the country have been irked by the draft dairy regulations of 2019 that seek to limit the transportation and sell of milk.
The regulations Prohibits farmers from selling their fresh milk to neighbor’s -farmers must first pasteurize their milk at farm gate before selling to consumers and neighbor’s.
The regulations state that in the absence of pasteurization, farmers must take all their milk to a cooling facility.
They are also prohibited from selling their milk to hawkers.
“Price of milk from the dairy farmers will be based on quality, not quantity. The buyer will determine the quality. Farmers will be held criminally liable should their milk have contaminants like aflatoxins,” the regulations read.
Several dairy farmers who spoke to hot News said that the farmer has no control over aflatoxins and other contaminants in milk can be derived from purchased feed.
The regulations require a farmer to sell his milk to only one processor with whom he has a contract.
The Processors are free to import milk at any time there is no enough milk from the local market and will determine when the milk is not enough.
A fine of Ksh 500,000 will be slapped on farmers flouting the rules.
“It is very shocking that a government can come with such laws to oppress young people who are making a living by selling milk to friends and relatives.,” said Nairobi Jubilee youth leader Samwel Mundia.
Mundia said the regulations are going to render several youths jobless.
He said the regulations are aimed at ensuring Brookside dairies which is owned by the Kenyatta family stifles other dairy companies.
“The Board assures the General Public and Dairy Stakeholders that the draft Dairy regulations are not meant to create a monopoly but to drive the dairy industry towards increased competitiveness and profit for all, “ said the Kenya dairy board in response to claims that the regulations are aimed at ensuring Brookside Dairies has a monopoly.