Since there was no general meeting during the 1st quarter, the meeting captured the developments for 1st and 2nd quarter. It was noted that in spite of COVID 19 pandemic, Osiepe members have maintained the self-drive to better both individual and group’s operations. For instance, Chemelil Agro-Select, which is operated by OSIEPE continues to record improved business performance while the Bulk Milk Collection Centre (Chilling Plant) has recorded trememndous growth in milk aggregation and marketing, attracting the interest of farmers from the neighboring counties of Kericho. This is despite the challenges of unreliable water supply high cost of electricity that is needed to keep the pan operational.
OSIEPE DAIRIES
The chair indicated that several farmers are already reaping big from milk supply to the plant and emphasized the need for more members of OSIEPE to embrace the facility by supplying even as little as a liter of milk. The chilling plant committee will begin designing milk collection routes to enable farmers with low milk supply to benefit from this noble initiative.
The chilling plant committee in consultation with the executive are also working around the clock to address the two challenges of water supply and high cost of electricity that have tended to eat into the emerging gains from the milk bulking business. During the mini-AGM, the Chairperson clarified the need to invest in our own water supply by drilling a borehole. He also underscored the need for an alternative pasteurizing system – a larger and steam pasteurizer that is powered by fuelwood-driven boiler. The executive therefore requested approval of members for implementation of the two projects that are estimated to cost the group Ksh. 2.3 million. Considering the potential cost savings and future revenues that will flow from the water facility, members approved the projects and said they should be completed by November 2020 so as to save the organization from further losses at the plant.
POULTRY KEEPING
Towards empowering members and impacting on their environment, OSIEPE continues to explore strategic partnerships that enhance community transformation under the 2 pillars of Agriculture and Food Security and Economic empowerment. In line with this, discussions with Heifer International are at an advanced stage to roll out a “Hatching Hope Poultry” project that will target the membership of OSIEPE for production and aggregation of poultry and poultry products. A group of Community Facilitators have been identified by the project under the leadership of OSIEPE and are currently profiling farmers interested in the project. This will be followed by education and capacity building to prepare farmers to venture into poultry production. Various financial institutions have already partnered with Heifer International to offer loans towards this noble course.
THE MONEY BOUNCING BACK POLICY
Speaking to members, the Patron of OSIEPE Dr. James Rao, encouraged members to embrace the principle of growing wealth based on internal circulation of money. To develop foundations for lasting wealth, we need to ensure that our money bounces 7 times internally before it bounces out. This requires that OSIEPE integrates its businesses vertically and horizontally to ensure that individual members’ investment leverages and benefits OSIEPE’s investment. OSIEPE portfolio of businesses must therefore grow to provide solutions to value chain challenges for which our members always seek external solutions.
The Patron appreciated the fact that OSIEPE has a solid foundation that has propelled the organization this far. He challenged members to position themselves to reap big from this great foundation ahead of the rest of the neighboring community.
RETIREES SHINE
OSIEPE’S Coordinator, Mr. Del Bernard, lauded the nucleus with more retirees saying that they have outshone the salaried in share drive for the two quarters. However, he urged all to be focused and aim at the set target. On the significance of OSIEPE, the coordinator said that it strives to achieve happiness among members through the following:
a) Caring for others
b) Assistance in education
c) Standing together in bereavements
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
Since there was no General Meeting in April to declare dividends for 2019, audited financial report was presented during this 2nd Quarter Meeting and dividends declared. The chair directed that members be paid before 1st September 2020.