Chuka University has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art milk processing plant, marking a major milestone in agro-industrial innovation, academic training, and community empowerment. The facility, located within the University’s Food Science and Technology Complex, is designed to process pasteurized milk, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products while serving as a practical training ground for students and a value-addition hub for local dairy farmers. The Chairman of Council, Prof. David Serem, presided over the commissioning ceremony, praising the project as a forward-thinking investment that merges academic excellence with rural development. “This facility demonstrates how institutions of higher learning can directly contribute to national development through innovation and practical training,” he noted. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei highlighted the plant’s significance in enhancing experiential learning and strengthening agricultural value chains. “Our students will gain real-world exposure to modern food processing systems, while local farmers benefit from a reliable, quality-driven outlet for their milk,” he said. Fully equipped with modern dairy processing technologies, the plant supports hands-on training in food safety, quality assurance, and product packaging, skills crucial for graduates entering Kenya’s growing agro-processing sector. Beyond academic value, the facility is a powerful tool for regional economic empowerment. It offers local dairy farmers access to reliable markets while promoting value-added production, entrepreneurship, and rural industrialization. The initiative reflects the university’s bold vision of linking knowledge with action, combining research, enterprise, and community development in one impactful project. The dairy plant is expected to not only enhance teaching and research but also act as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth in the agriculture and food industries within Tharaka Nithi County and beyond.
Chuka University is …… Inspiring Environmental Sustainability for Better Life
