• The performance contract was signed by Duale, alongside KMC Chairperson Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jackson Kasaon.
• According to Duale, this is a significant move aligning with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of President Ruto.
Image: Handout
The Ministry of Defence, under the leadership of CS Aden Duale, has reinforced its commitment to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
As a result, the Ministry and the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) on Tuesday signed a pivotal Performance Contract.
The performance contract was signed by Duale, alongside KMC Chairperson Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jackson Kasaon.
According to Duale, this is a significant move aligning with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of President William Ruto.
"The ministry has a view to make the commission a more vibrant and competitive producer of quality meat and meat products. This is not only in the Country and the region but also internationally," he said.
CS Duale observed that the President has resolved to transform the agricultural sector both crop and livestock production to improve the fortunes of farmers across the country.
Duale also oversaw the signing of a cascaded Performance Contract between Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and KMC Managing Commissioner Brigadier James Githaga.
According to Duale, the contract is a strategic move to ensure that KMC’s operations are in line with its core mandate - producing high-quality meat products and providing a robust market for livestock farmers.
"Over the years, the Ministry has been widely known for its integrity, efficiency, professionalism and prudent use of public resources and that same values shall be adopted to run the factory," he said.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress made by KMC since its integration under the Ministry of Defence, Duale noted a wealth of untapped potential that could significantly boost the profit margin through market expansion.
“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, especially for turning around this facility to what it is today,” he said.
“I assure the leadership and all stakeholders of our total support to ensure that we maximize profits and guarantee prompt payments to farmers supplying their animals,” Duale added.
Since the factory was placed under the Ministry of Defence, over 50,000 herds of livestock have been slaughtered translating to over sh2.2 billion paid to farmers spread across 37 counties.
The managing Commissioner Brigadier James Githaga elaborated on the operational capacity, capability, and current status of the Commission.
This was followed by a guided tour of the facility, giving a deeper insight into its workings.
Emphasizing the Ministry’s long-standing reputation for integrity, efficiency, effectiveness, and judicious use of public resources, Duale called on the management team to cut down on unnecessary expenditures.
He further communicated to the staff and officers at the facility the ministry’s determination to close any loopholes that could potentially harm the earnings of farmers and the public, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the factory not just nationally, but also regionally and continentally.
Duale was accompanied by key military and defense personnel, including the Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, Director General of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI) Major General Bernard Waliaula, and Board Commissioners, among other senior officials from Defence Headquarters.
In November 2023, President Ruto made an about-turn and transferred KMC to the Ministry of Defence.
The Commission had been under the Ministry of Agriculture since November 2022 when Ruto reversed a decision by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta to place it under the management of Defence.
Executive Order No.1 of January 6, 2023, placed the meat processor under the State Department of Livestock Development with the military only managing operations at the commission's facilities.
The latest changes are contained in Executive Order No.2 of November 2.
"The Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 supersedes Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 issued on 6th of January, 2023," reads the notice issued by head of public service Felix Koskei.
The Athi River plant was formed in 1950 through an act of Parliament.
Its main objective is to provide a ready market for livestock farmers and quality meat and meat products to consumers.
Image: Handout