DNK International By Our Correspondent,Mukurweini
Muhika Mutahi, a two term former Member of Parliament for Mukurweini,in Nyeri County is widely credited with transforming small scale dairy farming in Nyeri County into a thriving commercial enterprise.
He entered Parliament in 1992 at the dawn of Kenya’s multiparty era, winning the Mukurweini seat on Mwai Kibaki’s Democratic Party (DP) ticket.
His victory ended the long standing dominance of veteran KANU legislator Ngumbu Njururi.
Mutahi served until 2002, balancing his legislative duties with a growing reputation as a pioneering entrepreneur.
During his tenure, Mutahi used his influence to mobilize local farmers toward commercial dairy farming at a time when most households practiced zero grazing primarily for subsistence milk consumption.
His efforts laid the groundwork for what would become one of the region’s most successful farmer owned enterprises.
In a symbolic and practical gesture, Mutahi donated his Peugeot 404 pickup to support milk collection,an early step that led to the establishment of Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Ltd (MWDL).
Today, the dairy cooperative has grown into a major processor, marketing its products under the “Royal” brand.
MWDL is now owned by between 15,000 and 16,000 small scale dairy farmers in Nyeri County, who serve as both suppliers and shareholders.
The company began processing and packaging fresh milk in June 2014 and has since expanded its product range to include flavored yoghurts, fresh milk, long-life milk, lala (fermented) milk, cream, butter, and cheese.
In 2020, under Mutahi’s leadership as chairman, the dairy broke new ground by partnering with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) to produce coffee flavored yogurt,an innovation that marked a first in the Kenyan market.
The dairy’s growth has also spurred the creation of related enterprises.
Bora Feeds, an affiliate fully owned by MWDL farmers, was established to provide quality animal feed and boost milk production.
What began as a modest operation collecting less than 200 litres of milk per day has since evolved into a large scale enterprise.
Another key offshoot is Wakulima SACCO Ltd, also owned by the dairy’s farmer members.
The SACCO was formed to address the lack of accessible and affordable financial services for local farmers, further strengthening the cooperative ecosystem.
MWDL itself traces its roots back to 1990, when it started as a self help group.
A section of members who spoke to DNK-International in Mukurweini said that the organisation has since grown into a public limited company, governed by a board of directors alongside a chief executive officer and senior management team.
Notably, the company maintains a broad based ownership structure, with no single majority shareholder.
Today, Muhika Mutahi continues to serve as chairman of the dairy.
His legacy is evident in the transformation of Mukurweini into a hub of dairy innovation and farmer empowerment,an enduring testament to visionary leadership and community driven development.
Want to be featured? or have a personality want to know about him or her:
📞WhatsApp: ±2540703633820,±254754168624
✉️ Email: dailynewskenya0@gmail.com
🗓️ [DNK-International@May 7,2026]
