Nakuru County is set to host the first-ever milk value chain conference and exhibition where scientists and experts from relevant government ministries and research institutions are expected to offer specialist direction on issues revolving around the dairy sector.
The event, themed “Climate Resilience, Innovation, Technology in Dairy Production, Processing and Trade Through Farmers Empowerment”, running from September 4 to 5, will focus on aligning green technological innovations with the Kenyan dairy value chain and is aimed at creating sustainable businesses, bolstering food security and nutrition, generating jobs and spurring economic development.
The organisers of the forum, which include the County Government of Nakuru’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services; the Nakuru County Dairy Platform (NACODA); and other stakeholders in the subsector, have indicated that more than 200 exhibitors would be showcasing the latest technologies and innovative solutions expected to shape the future of the dairy industry in Africa and beyond.
According to NACODA Chairperson Waweru Nyaangi, various scientists and experts from relevant government ministries, standards and regulatory bodies, research institutions and state agencies have confirmed participation to offer participants specialist opinions on different issues revolving around the dairy and milk subsector.
Nyaangi also explained that the conference would outline the targeted measures to improve and ensure the maintenance of internationally acceptable health and hygiene standards in both the primary and secondary dairy industries and foster the efficiency, expansion and profitability of Kenya’s dairy sector in the international marketplace.
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The chairman added that the input of the experts would go a long way in supporting the increase in productivity, ensuring quality and safety of milk and milk products, and diversifying value-added dairy products, as well as increasing income across the value chain.
Speaking after meeting top officials of the County Government to review progress in preparations towards the event, the chairperson said farmers and stakeholders in the Rift Valley and Central regions have been invited to grace the event.
“This event will bring together key stakeholders in the dairy sector to explore opportunities, innovations, and solutions that strengthen the milk value chain,” he stated.
The chairman further explained that the event would have panel discussions on advancements in dairy technology, equipment, and practices to boost the sector’s productivity and sustainability, in addition to providing a platform for key dairy industry stakeholders to showcase their products to consumers and other decision makers.
This will help in creating new markets and orienting the consumers to their new innovative products, he added.
According to Nyaangi, the conference is expected to provide a platform for learning, networking, and showcasing technologies that will empower farmers and transform dairy farming in Nakuru and beyond.
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“This conference shall also provide a platform for the Kenyan community to discuss and recommend solutions to policy, regulatory and industry bottlenecks that impede trade in dairy products,” Nyaangi assured.
The milk value chain conference will also showcase the role both levels of government play through the national strategies while looking at policies, investments and programmes contributing to the dairy sector.
It will cover key themes, including dairy innovation and formulation, sustainable dairy production and the circular economy, nutrition, health and wellness, processing and packaging, supply chain excellence, dairy farming development, investments and financing, food safety and compliance, as well as trade and market access.
The event will further accord Kenyan dairy processors, service providers and industry suppliers a unique opportunity to showcase their products for benchmarking and trade.
By Juma Ndigo
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