Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society has been named the overall best cooperative society in Kiambu County during the 104th Ushirika Day celebrations held at Ndumberi Stadium, earning recognition for its contribution to dairy farming, farmer empowerment, and the county’s economy.
The cooperative, renowned for producing Fresha milk products, received the top award in recognition of its strong performance in supporting thousands of dairy farmers while maintaining one of the country’s leading milk processing operations.
Speaking after receiving the award, Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Chairman John Ndichu described the recognition as a reflection of years of commitment by members, management, staff and the board.
“This award is a clear demonstration of how the cooperative is improving the livelihoods of our members, positively impacting the economy of Kiambu County and contributing to the national economy. We sell our milk across the country and also export part of our production, making this recognition a testament to the good work that has been done over the years,” Ndichu said.
He noted that although the cooperative has reached significant milestones, it remains focused on expanding its operations.
Currently processing approximately 300,000 litres of milk daily, the cooperative has set an ambitious medium-term target of increasing capacity to 500,000 litres per day.
“We believe there is still room for improvement. We are modernising our processing plant and investing in programmes that will empower our farmers. We are establishing a farmer training academy in Githunguri where dairy farmers will receive continuous training on modern farming practices to improve productivity and increase milk yields,” he said.
Ndichu attributed the cooperative’s sustained growth to consistent investment in farmer education, improved processing technology and sound governance.
Despite prevailing economic challenges, Githunguri Dairy has maintained one of the highest farm-gate milk prices in Kenya.
Ndichu said the cooperative currently pays farmers Sh49.50 per litre, adding that management is exploring the possibility of increasing the price further as market conditions improve.
“We have maintained a stable farm-gate price, and we believe it is among the highest in the country. Even with difficult economic conditions, the welfare of our farmers remains our priority. We are projecting that we will improve the price further,” he said.
He also highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to prompt payments, noting that farmers receive their monthly dues on the fourth day of every month, regardless of whether it falls on a weekend or public holiday.
“Our farmers know that on the fourth of every month they will receive their payment. Whether it is a Saturday or a Sunday, payments are made without fail. That consistency has built confidence among our members,” he said.
While acknowledging that the recently enacted Finance Bill has had limited direct impact on dairy farming, Ndichu expressed concern over increased taxes on imported inputs used in feed manufacturing.
He explained that taxes on products such as cotton and feed concentrates are likely to raise production costs, eventually affecting milk prices.
“There have been some increases in taxation on imported inputs used by feed manufacturers. Those additional costs will inevitably have an impact on the final cost of milk production,” he noted.
He appealed to the government to consider zero-rating or removing taxes on critical agricultural inputs to ease the financial burden on dairy farmers.
“If these inputs are zero-rated, the benefits will directly reach farmers through lower production costs and better returns. We urge policymakers to engage with the dairy sector and identify areas where taxes can be reduced or eliminated to strengthen the industry,” Ndichu said.
The Ushirika Day celebrations also recognised outstanding cooperatives from all 12 sub-counties across Kiambu for their contribution to economic development and member welfare.
The winners included:
- Githunguri: Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society
- Kiambu: DIMKES SACCO Ltd
- Kiambaa: PCEA Evergreen SACCO Ltd
- Kabete: Kabete Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
- Kikuyu: NRS DT SACCO Ltd
- Ruiru: Kingdom DT SACCO Ltd.
- Thika: Mataara SACCO Ltd
- Juja: Fundilima SACCO Ltd
- Gatundu North: Igegania Multipurpose Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
- Gatundu South: Thiririka Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
- Limuru: Limuru Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
- Lari: Multifarm Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd
The annual Ushirika Day celebrations brought together cooperative leaders, county officials, farmers and stakeholders to celebrate the role of cooperatives in driving economic growth, creating employment and improving livelihoods across Kiambu County.
The recognition of Githunguri Dairy as the county’s leading cooperative underscored the continued importance of the cooperative movement in transforming agriculture through value addition, reliable markets, prompt farmer payments and sustained investment in modern dairy production.
