President William Ruto has appointed four new individuals to the Board of Directors of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited (New KCC), the oldest and largest dairy processor in East and Central Africa. The appointments, effective from August 6, 2024, come as part of a broader effort to revitalize the institution and steer it towards greater efficiency and innovation.
In a special issue of the Gazette Notice, President Ruto exercised the powers conferred upon him by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act. The newly appointed board members are Noah Ndemo Nyachae, Dr. Rawlynce Bett, Naisula Keko, and Sarah Keino. Their terms will run until March 9, 2026. The Gazette Notice stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Noah Ndemo Nyachae, Rawlynce Bett (Dr.), Naisula Keko, and Sarah Keino to be members of the Board of Directors of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited, with effect from the 6th August, 2024, up to the 9th March, 2026.”
This decision also entails the revocation of the appointments of four previous board members: Geoffrey Noah Angwenyi, David Kipkurui Samoei (Rtd), Col. Rukia Rashid, and Elisha Biwot. These individuals were initially appointed on March 10, 2023, and were set to serve until March 2026. The sudden change in leadership underscores the president’s intent to inject new energy and perspectives into the organization.
The New KCC has a storied history of contributing to Kenya’s dairy industry. It operates eight major processing factories, 13 milk cooling plants, and numerous satellite coolers, playing a crucial role in the country’s agricultural sector. The company’s production lines in Eldoret, Dandora, and Nyahururu are notable for their advanced capabilities, supporting the diverse dairy needs of the region.
Under the leadership of the previous managing director, Nixon Sigey, who served for nine years, New KCC witnessed substantial modernization. Sigey is credited with modernizing the processing factories, allowing the company to diversify its product range and enhance its competitive edge. His tenure marked a period of growth and development, positioning New KCC as a leading player in the dairy industry.
The appointment of the new board members comes at a critical time for New KCC. As the dairy industry faces numerous challenges, including fluctuating milk prices, climate change impacts, and increasing competition, strong and visionary leadership is essential. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to drive the company forward.
Noah Ndemo Nyachae, one of the new appointees, is renowned for his extensive experience in the agricultural sector. Dr. Rawlynce Bett, with his background in veterinary sciences, is expected to contribute significantly to improving livestock health and milk production. Naisula Keko and Sarah Keino bring diverse skills in management and corporate governance, which will be invaluable in steering New KCC towards its strategic goals.
The president’s decision to revamp the board reflects a commitment to ensuring that state corporations are led by individuals who can drive progress and innovation. As New KCC embarks on this new chapter, the emphasis will be on enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and increasing value for dairy farmers and consumers alike.
In conclusion, President William Ruto’s recent appointments to the New KCC Board of Directors mark a pivotal moment for the organization. With the new board members poised to take up their roles, there is a renewed sense of optimism about the future of the dairy giant. The industry will be watching closely as New KCC navigates this transition and continues to play a vital role in Kenya’s economic landscape.
