Meru Central Dairy Union has stepped up efforts to expand its international market after receiving a high-level delegation from Comoros to explore opportunities for increasing the supply of Kenyan milk products to the island nation.

The delegation, led by Comoros Consul General Abdou Mouigni, visited the Union to trace the source and processing of milk exported to Comoros and discuss ways of strengthening the existing business relationship between the two countries.

Speaking during the visit, Mouigni said he was pleased to visit Meru and learn more about Kenya’s milk processing industry, noting that there were significant opportunities for collaboration between Kenya and Comoros in agriculture, livestock, dairy and other business sectors.

He said the visit marked the beginning of a stronger relationship that would benefit both countries through increased trade and exchange of experiences.

“I am lucky to be in Meru and getting an opportunity to learn more about milk processing and the milk sector in Kenya,” he said.

Mouigni said the delegation was particularly impressed by the scale of the farmer-owned enterprise and expressed optimism that the partnership would grow, adding that the Union’s products had gained recognition in the Comoros market.

He further said efforts would be made to ensure Mount Kenya milk products secured a dominant position in the Comoros market.

Meru Central Dairy Union Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Gitonga said the Union had been supplying milk to Comoros for about six months and was optimistic that the visit would lead to increased orders.

“We are lucky to have the Ambassador coming to see where we process our milk and we expect them to increase their orders for the milk,” said Gitonga.

He said the Union was ready to expand its business with Comoros but faced temporary milk supply challenges attributed to changing climatic conditions.

Gitonga expressed optimism that the shortage would ease with the onset of rains, enabling the Union to meet increased demand from the international market.

He also revealed that plans were underway to establish a direct shipping arrangement between Kenya and Comoros, which would facilitate the transportation of milk products directly to the island nation.

The CEO said the proposed arrangement would help improve efficiency in the supply chain and create room for increased exports.

The delegation was hosted by the Union’s Board and management, led by the Chairman Mr Simon Kiruja, who said the visit was an important milestone in strengthening the Union’s international trade relations.

He thanked the Comoros delegation for identifying Mt. Kenya milk products as a preferred Kenyan brand and assured them of the Board’s support in maintaining quality and reliable supply.

He said the Union was committed to sustaining the confidence that Comoros had placed in its products and expanding the partnership for the benefit of farmers and consumers in both countries.

The growing export market is expected to provide an additional outlet for milk produced by farmers affiliated with the Union while strengthening Kenya’s position in the regional and international dairy market.

The Union’s management said it would continue working with its farmers to enhance milk production and quality to meet both domestic and export demand.

By Dickson Mwiti