The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has detailed the transformative journey of the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) which was placed under its wing by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in September 2020.
In a statement on Wednesday, KDF revealed that it had paid Ksh2.2 billion to farmers since the changes were effected in 2020.
According to KDF, the disciplined forces have slaughtered over 50,000 animals in the last three years even as plans to revive the state corporation gain momentum.
On his part, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressed optimism over the transformation KDF was implementing at KMC.
He noted that his ministry was focused on helping KDF meet its obligations to farmers across the country. Duale also indicated that the KMC transformation was part of President William Ruto's strategies for revitalising the agricultural sector.
The government is aiming to make KMC one of the biggest meat product producers in the region.
“I came here years ago but this factory is not the way it was at that time. There is total transformation and I want to thank the leadership in a special way for turning around this facility into what it is today.
“As the leadership of MoD, we assure you our total support to ensure that you accomplish what you envision in your Strategic Plan and what you’ve promised to achieve in the performance contract,” he stated.
The KMC Board is currently chaired by Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jackson Kasaon and Brigadier James Githaga, who acts as the managing commissioner.
KMC was transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture to Defence in 2020 by 4th President Uhuru Kenyatta.
At the time, Uhuru explained that the moves were aimed at revitalising the operations of the Commission and making it more efficient after years of mismanagement and debt.
Notably, despite being opposed to the militarization of state corporations during the campaigns, Ruto's government extended the orders to have the Commission managed by the military.
