The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has started training dairy farmers and small cottage milk processors in South Rift region in the making of proper, safe and hygienic Kalenjin fermented milk (Mursik).
The training of the dairy farmers and small cottage milk processors is aimed at curbing the making and processing of poor and unhygienic Mursik which at times gets contaminated due lack of proper skills in the processing; leading to food poisoning when consumed.
The Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Agriculture Ms. Linah Jebii Kilimo hailed the training for it will enhance businesses; as milk producers will be trained on how to add value to their milk produce and in turn earn more money.
She added that the government through the Kenya Dairy Board will ensure that quality Mursik was produced.
” The programme is aimed at reducing incidences where people are taken to health facilities after taking contaminated mursik”. This often occurs during ceremonies as mursik is big part of the Kalenjin heritage; which the community continues to cherish.
The CAS noted that the training will be rolled out, down to the village level. She called for the support of the county and national government to help in ensuring that all milk handlers get training on hygienic ways of making and handling mursik.
The managing Director of Kenya Dairy Board, Ms. Margaret Kabogi added that the training has already commenced and will help in making the dairy sector competitive and sustainable.