Kenya Dairy Board strengthens leadership with new inaugurated members

KENYA – Kenya Dairy Board has inaugurated its new members, marking a significant milestone in advancing governance and strategic direction within the dairy industry.

This move comes after the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reappointed Genesio Mugo as Chairperson of the Board and confirmed seven members for fresh three-year terms, effective February 13, 2026.

The reconstitution was formalised through Gazette Notices issued the same day, which also named Makarios Munanga Makwata as a new board member for a three-year mandate.

The new Board is expected to strengthen regulation across the sector, with a particular focus on improving milk quality standards and supporting growth in the dairy industry.

Speaking to staff, CS Kagwe emphasized that the success of the dairy industry begins with institutions that work efficiently for farmers. He urged officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability, stressing that these values are essential to ensuring dairy farmers receive fair opportunities in the market, better services, and a supportive regulatory environment.

During the inauguration, the leadership toured the National Dairy Regulatory Laboratory, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting farmers and consumers by ensuring milk safety, enforcing standards, and building a robust regulatory framework.

NDDB, Kenya Dairy Board explore collaboration to boost dairy sector

In 2025, the Kenya Dairy Board strengthened ties with India’s dairy sector following a meeting between Dr Meenesh C. Shah, Chairman of India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Kenya Dairy Board officials.

The meeting, held to explore potential areas of collaboration, focused on key aspects such as genetic improvement, vaccine manufacturing, dairy equipment production, packaging, and the development of dairy cooperatives.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the talks highlighted the NDDB’s ongoing efforts to support Kenya’s dairy sector through its expertise and resources. 

Dr. Shah emphasized India’s experience in building a robust dairy ecosystem, particularly through cooperatives, which could benefit Kenyan farmers. 

“We are eager to share our knowledge and technology to help improve milk production and farmer livelihoods in Kenya,” he said during the meeting. 

The NDDB, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, has been a pioneer in transforming India into the world’s largest milk producer, and this collaboration aims to replicate some of that success in Kenya.

The Kenyan delegation expressed interest in leveraging India’s advancements in genetic improvement and vaccine production to enhance animal productivity. 

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