The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has warned traders in the North Rift region against engaging in milk hawking.

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KDB Managing Director Margaret Kibogy says milk hawking is against the law and a threat to consumer’s health and anyone who will be found will face the full force of the law.

“It is sad despite farmers producing 5.2 billion liters of milk annually 70 percent of it is traded informally and only 30 percent goes through processing that is why we are 100 percent discouraging milk hawking,” Kibogy said in Eldoret town, Monday.

She said the processing capacity of milk in the country is at 40 percent while 60 percent is underutilized due to the illegal practice.

“I urge farmers from the region to shun hawking of raw milk but instead sell it to registered processors to earn competitive price and also protect consumers from consuming unhygienic milk. Our aim is for consumers to get quality milk,” she added.

The KDB boss revealed that they have started campaigns across the country to sensitize dairy farmers on the dangers of hawking milk and advising them to ensure their milk is processed.

“Farmers should take advantage of the prompt payment for deliveries by KCC as we want them to reap from their sweat,” noted Kibogy.