Farmers owed Sh380m by KMC seek ministry’s help
Farmers from seven counties who are owed millions of shillings by the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) Athi River have called on the Agriculture ministry to intervene and ensure their dues are settled.
The farmers, who had supplied livestock to the factory and have not been paid their dues amounting to Sh380 million for the past three years, yesterday camped at the company seeking audience with the management.
They claim despite seeking audience with the management and the concerned ministries, they have only been given empty promises.
The farmers from arid and semi-arid areas claimed some farmers who are still supplying the company with livestock and are getting paid yet KMC has failed to clear their debts.
Abdi Ali Hunahuna, who is owed Sh10 million by the factory, claims to have relocated from his home in Garissa after farmers threatened to kill him over non-payment of their livestock they entrusted him to supply KMC on their behalf.
“We have been to different offices in bid to push for our dues. We are disappointed and urge relevant authorities to urgently intervene,” said Samuel Tupet a farmer from Kajiado.
Speaking to People Daily on phone, KMC managing commissioner James Seriani said the farmers issues are being addressed and the debt will be settled soon.
“We are facing a major financial crisis and we are unable to pay our suppliers. We have forwarded the debt issue to the concerned ministry to facilitate payments,” he said.
KMC is struggling to survive with production standing at 200 animals weekly a drop from 7,000 animals when operating in full capacity.
Herders have pulled away from supplying livestock due to debts and the factory fallout with the market due to lack of consistency.
