Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant Amb. Julius Bitok has promised to focus on value addition that will help improve the livelihoods of small farmers, should he be elected the second governor in the upcoming general election.
Amb. Bitok points out that his first target, once he assumes office, will be to pioneer setting up of a milk processing plant that will see ‘Uasin Gishu Milk’ on all major supermarkets’ shelves.
Through this initiative, the Kenyan ambassador to Pakistan says no milk from farmers will be sold without going through value addition.
“Am determined to change the livelihoods of our small farmers who have always been ignored in every step of decision making,” Amb. Bitok said, in a post on his official Facebook page.
“Our small dairy farmers need to be empowered to venture into modern breeds of cattle. They also need to undergo trainings on modern cattle management. This is the only way to achieve a continuous chain of milk production,” he added.
Bitok who is seeking to be the second governor after Jackson Mandago who is serving his second and last term notes that value addition for dairy farmers will increase the returns and also help stabilize the market.
“Uasin Gishu Milk will be hitting shelves of the various outlets from next year when we assume office,” he pledged.
2022 general election will be the second time that Amb. Bitok will be vying for the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial seat.
He first vied for the seat in 2013 but lost to Mandago during the Jubilee party nominations.
Amb Bitok describes himself as an accomplished educationist and diplomat who wants to bring onboard vast experience in the local and international arena to transform Uasin Gishu into a leading investment destination.
