Nyala Dairy Cooperative's Journey to Processing

By Elisha Kemboi, Cooperative Advisor, Acting Now Project

Established in 2002, the Nyala Dairy Multi-purpose Co-operative (NDMC) has been a driving force in the Nyandarua and Laikipia dairy sector in Kenya. With the support of Agriterra, NDMC embarked on an ambitious journey to increase milk production and diversify its product offerings. 

Nyala Dairy supported by Agriterra’s Acting Now project set a steadfast commitment to enhance milk production and product diversification. They set forth a robust five-year strategic plan aimed at significantly increasing its daily average milk production from 20,000 to 60,000 litres. Currently, the daily milk volumes aggregated have hit a historical record high of 82,000 litres occasioned by extension interventions but also favourable climatic conditions over the last 6 months.

Agriterra's two-tier approach has been instrumental in this endeavour, leveraging targeted interventions to enhance dairy practices and bolster fodder production and conservation across Nyandarua and Laikipia counties. Through the deployment of seven dedicated extension officers - two of whom are supported under Acting Now’s salary co-financing arrangement - Agriterra has facilitated the dissemination of best practices in dairy farming, with a special emphasis on optimising fodder production and conservation techniques. This initiative aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve milk yields sustainably.

Additionally, Agriterra has supported Nyala Dairy Cooperative in establishing a centralised commercial fodder production model. This innovative approach ensures consistent availability of high-quality fodder, particularly maize and sorghum silage, crucial for maintaining milk production levels during dry periods. By implementing a check-off system, the cooperative facilitates access to essential fodder resources, thereby flattening the milk production curve and ensuring stability in dairy supplies throughout the year.

Recognising the potential of Nyala Dairy Cooperative, Agriterra also facilitated critical partnerships and knowledge exchanges, including a pivotal visit to leading processors such as BAMSCOS and Ziara Dairies. These exchanges not only imparted invaluable insights, but also paved the way for strategic initiatives like the co-packing agreement with Meru Highlands Dairy. This collaboration has birthed the brand 'NYCE,' signaling NDMC's entry into the market. 

The culmination of NDMC's efforts was the recent launch of NYCE UHT milk. This significant milestone represents a major step forward for the cooperative, as it enters the market with a new product line. The launch was attended by over 500 farmers, demonstrating the strong community support for NDMC.

As NDMC continues to grow, it has committed to expanding its operations and investing in new technologies and has set out and ambitious plan to acquire a full processing line by the end of 2025, anchored on the huge milk volumes they are currently aggregating. The cooperative's internal capital mobilisation campaign is a testament to its members' belief in its future. With Agriterra's ongoing support, NDMC is well-positioned to become a leading player in Kenya's dairy industry.