Senators demand answers as Sh200 million Webuye milk plant found neglected, vandalised

The Webuye Milk Processing Plant in Bungoma County, which remains idle and neglected despite a public investment of more than Sh200 million. (Photo: Parliament/Facebook)

Senators have directed the Bungoma County Government to explain the deteriorating state of the Webuye Milk Processing Plant after finding the facility neglected and vandalised during an oversight visit.

The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries raised concern that the public investment, valued at more than Sh200 million, remains idle, with parts of a newly installed Sh5 million generator already stripped before it could be put into operation.

The committee, accompanied by Bungoma County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Eng Hebert Kibunguchi, visited the plant on Saturday to assess its condition and establish the challenges affecting its operations.

During the inspection, the senators expressed concern that the facility had been left unused and exposed to vandalism despite the substantial public funds invested in it.

The legislators were particularly concerned about the newly installed generator valued at Sh5 million, whose components had been removed before it could be put into operation.

The visit followed an earlier impromptu inspection conducted on September 25, 2026, when the committee first raised concerns over tthe deteriorating state of the plant.

Following the latest assessment, the senators directed the county government to submit a comprehensive report explaining the circumstances that led to the facility falling into disrepair.

The committee also proposed the establishment of an Inquiry to investigate how the public asset was allowed to deteriorate despite the investment made in it.

Before visiting the Webuye facility, the committee had started its oversight activities at Kitinda Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) in Bungoma Town, where it held discussions with the Board of Management and county government officials.

The engagement focused on governance and operational challenges affecting the cooperative, including the controversial sale of factory machinery.

The senators sought accountability over the management and disposal of the cooperative’s assets, while also providing an opportunity to address other concerns affecting the institution and its members.

The committee said its oversight activities were aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting public investments and safeguarding the interests of farmers.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that dairy infrastructure and cooperative societies are managed transparently and deliver value to farmers.