Chuka University unveils its new modern milk processing facility

KENYA – Chuka University, a public institution, has launched its new milk processing facility, aimed at empowering students and fostering rural development.

Designed to serve both as a training ground for students and a processing hub for local dairy farmers, the facility represents an integration of academia and industry.

This dual approach ensures hands-on learning experiences while establishing valuable market linkages that benefit the broader community.

Located within the university’s Food Science and Technology Complex, the modern dairy plant is fully equipped to process various dairy products, including pasteurised milk, yoghurt, and ice cream.

During the commissioning event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei underscored the facility’s role in enhancing experiential learning and strengthening agricultural value chains.

“Our students will gain real-world exposure to modern food processing systems, while local farmers benefit from a reliable outlet for their milk,” he stated.

With provisions for practical training in food safety, quality assurance, and packaging, the facility is set to equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in Kenya’s expanding agro-processing sector.

Beyond its academic contributions, the milk plant is a catalyst for regional economic empowerment.

By broadening market access for dairy producers and encouraging value-added production, it supports rural industrialization through a collaborative model that integrates research, enterprise, and community participation.

Nandi County unveils its US$9.27M processing plant

Recently, the county government of Nandi opened its latest milk processing factory, the Nandi Cooperative Creameries (NCC), which is expected to benefit dairy farmers, create jobs for residents and boost nutrition in the county.

The facility, a partnership between the World Bank and Nandi County, is situated in Kabiyet Township, Mosop Sub County, and is designed to process over 200,000 litres of milk per day.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang stated that the facility features an ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk production line set to revolutionise dairy farming by extending the shelf life of milk, reducing post-harvest losses and opening up new markets for local farmers.

With the UHT line now operational, Nandi is poised to become a leading milk producer in the region, supplying high-quality, long-life milk to local and international markets.

The facility, commenced in 2019, promises to eliminate the exploitation of dairy farmers by middlemen, create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, and enhance the nutrition of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) pupils.

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