Kenya’s milk production and processing industries have been shaped by several prominent figures and organizations, contributing to the country’s thriving dairy sector.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), marketed milk production rose by 6.9% from 754.3 million litres in 2022 to 806.6 million litres in 2023, despite a slight overall decline in total production from 4.6 billion litres to 4.57 billion litres during the same period.
Here’s a list of key tycoons and organizations behind Kenya’s successful milk companies:
1. The Kenyatta Family – Brookside
Brookside Dairy, one of Kenya’s leading milk processors, has been operational for over 25 years. With a presence in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the company sources raw milk from over 200,000 farmers.
Brookside’s brands include:
- Ilara
- Tuzo
- Molo Milk
- Delamere
Ownership:
- Kenyatta family (50%)
- Danone (40%)
- The Abraaj Group (10%)
2. Daima Milk – Deyvani Food Industries Kenya Ltd.
Daima Milk is a product of Deyvani Food Industries Kenya Ltd., which also produces ghee, yoghurt, and butter. The company boasts over 50 million consumers, 30 products, and employs more than 500 people.
3. Meru Dairy Co-operative Union Ltd
Established in 1985, Meru Dairy Co-operative Union Ltd supports farmers in Mt. Kenya. It processes various products, including:
- Mt Kenya Fresh Milk
- Mt Kenya Yoghurt
- Mt Kenya Ghee
The factory can handle 500,000 litres of milk daily, showcasing its commitment to aiding local farmers.
4. Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
Formed in 1961 by 31 farmers, Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society has grown to over 17,000 members with 68 milk collection centres. It processes 170,000 litres of milk daily and exports over 250,000 litres to the Middle East, including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Popular Brand: Fresha
5. Winnie Wandimi – Wimssy Limited
Winnie Wandimi founded Wimssy Limited in Kiambu over a decade ago. Her passion for dairy farming stems from her upbringing on a farm. Wimssy Limited specializes in high-quality dairy products and is driven by her commitment to innovation in the sector.
6. Margaret Munene – Palmhouse Dairies
Based in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Palmhouse Dairies was founded in 1995 by Margaret Munene. Initially a milk hawker, she transitioned into full-scale dairy farming and processing.
Margaret shared:
“I was not finding satisfaction in my work, so in 1995, after working for nine years, I decided to quit and become a dairy farmer and milk hawker while my husband, who had a better job, continued working.”
Kenya’s Dairy Sector by the Numbers
- Milk Prices: Increased by 7.7%, from KSh 4,720.43 in 2022 to KSh 5,083.00 per 100 litres in 2023.
- Processed Milk and Cream: Rose by 17.3% to 555.4 million litres in 2023.
- Processed Butter and Ghee: Increased by 34.7%, from 742.0 tonnes to 999.6 tonnes.
These figures underscore the growth and resilience of Kenya’s dairy industry, driven by these notable tycoons and organizations.