Kenya re-opens its doors for return of Uganda’s Lato milk

Kenya has allowed Uganda’s Lato milk to invest in local dairy factories as the state ramps up competition in the dairy sector which government officials have constantly complained is dominated by one player.

Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria Tuesday held bilateral talks with Uganda’s Treasury Permanent Secretary Ramadan Ggoobi where the two countries promised to work together to boost their respective dairy sectors.

The ministry said that Lato, a leading milk processor in Uganda which had significantly penetrated the Kenyan market, has signed a deal with the state-owned financier Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) to invest jointly in dairy ventures.

“The meeting focused on mutual economic and investment objectives by the two countries as a follow-up to the various bilateral meetings between to facilitate regional co-investment opportunities in strategic sectors,” said Mr Kuria.

Revive struggling factories

He said Lato will invest in Kenyan milk factories that are currently struggling in a bid to revive them in what will see the Ugandan firm take the fight for control of the lucrative milk sector to the doorstep of some well-known local dairy brands.