KDB bids farewell to Margaret Rugut, names Dr. William Kimutai as acting MD

KENYA – Kenya Dairy Board, a state corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development, has bid farewell to Margaret Rugut Kibogy, celebrating her nine-year tenure as the Managing Director, names Dr. William Kimutai Maritim as acting MD.

As the first woman to hold this prestigious position since the board’s establishment in 1958, her leadership has been instrumental in driving policy reforms, market expansion, and industry modernisation.

Under her leadership, the Kenya Dairy Board established the National Dairy Regulatory Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to ensuring milk safety and compliance. This initiative reinforced consumer confidence and strengthened Kenya’s reputation as a global dairy competitor.

Beyond regulatory advancements, Kibogy spearheaded institutional strengthening, overseeing the construction of the Kenya Dairy Board’s Head Office, expanding regional operations, and automating core processes to enhance efficiency. Her leadership attracted new processors and mini dairies, fostering industry growth and innovation.

“As Margaret hands over the mantle, we thank her for her remarkable contributions, her visionary leadership, and her unyielding commitment to elevating Kenya’s dairy sector. Her legacy will endure, shaping the industry for generations to come, the corporation stated.

Dr. William Kimutai named acting Managing Director

Following the departure of Margaret, the board has named Dr. William Kimutai Maritim as acting Managing Director.

In his new role, he will implement policies that will enhance the dairy value chain, from production to processing and marketing as well as promoting initiatives to ensure compliance with international dairy standards, thereby increasing market access for Kenyan dairy products.

Additionally, he will continue to pursue the vision set by the former Managing Director, ensuring consistency in leadership and the advancement of Kenya’s dairy industry.

Previously, Dr. William was Head of Regulatory Services at KDB, a department responsible for regulating and ensuring compliance to dairy standards and safety requirements as per the Dairy Industry Act, CAP 336.

He was incharge of the inspection and issuing of permits to dairy business operators and surveillance on the quality and safety of milk and milk products along the dairy value chain which aimed at consumer protection and facilitation of trade.

KDB hosts farmers to discuss innovations in dairy farming

Recently, the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) hosted a farmers’ field day at Kaptama in Bungoma County, bringing together dairy farmers, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss best practices and innovations in dairy farming.

The event focused on capacity building, market access, and sustainable dairy production, with farmers receiving training on animal health, feed management, and milk quality improvement.

Additionally, the farmers learned about modern dairy farming techniques, including artificial insemination, bulk milk storage, and efficient transportation methods. The event also provided a platform for farmers to engage with industry leaders and explore new market opportunities.

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