About

Our Story

Born from the collective strength of 30 scattered Common Interest Groups in Balambala and Saka wards, our journey began in April 2020 when we formalized as a Community-Based Organization. With the transformative support of the Climate Smart Agricultural Programme (KCSAP), we evolved into the Balambala Camel Milk Cooperative in 2021, uniting 1,030 pastoralists under a shared vision: to harness camel milk’s potential for economic empowerment and community health.

Today, we’re more than a cooperative—we’re a movement. By merging traditional pastoralist knowledge with modern processing techniques, we’ve created a sustainable value chain that delivers nutrient-rich camel milk products to schools, households, and markets across Garissa. Every liter sold represents fair wages for members, nourishment for vulnerable groups, and a step toward eradicating malnutrition in our region.

Our story is still being written. As we restore 50+ hectares of degraded land, pioneer camel milk biscuits, and train the next generation of herders, we remain rooted in our mission: to prove that resilience, when shared, becomes prosperity. Join us as we milk the future—one sustainable drop at a time.

What We Do

1. Milk Collection & Processing

We work directly with local herders to collect fresh camel milk, which we process into nutritious products like yogurt, susa (fermented milk), and sour milk. Our quality control ensures every drop meets health standards while supporting fair wages for members.

2. Nutrition & Food Security

We combat malnutrition in Garissa by supplying vitamin-rich camel milk to schools, hospitals, and households. Our products provide essential nutrients for children, lactating mothers, and immune-compromised individuals.

3. Environmental Stewardship

Beyond milk, we restore ecosystems! Through land rehabilitation (50+ hectares), water harvesting, and biodiversity programs (like goat integration), we protect Garissa’s fragile rangelands for future generations.

Our Essential Equipment

At Balambala Camel Milk Cooperative, we use specialized tools to ensure quality, hygiene, and efficiency in our milk processing. Here are two key pieces of equipment that help us deliver premium camel milk products:

Horne Marvel Balance

The Horne Marvel Balance is a high-precision scale used to measure milk quantities accurately during collection and processing. This ensures:

  • Fair pricing for members (exact weight measurements)

  • Consistent product ratios for fermentation and yogurt-making

  • Waste reduction by tracking milk volumes at every stage

Why it matters: Transparent measurements build trust with our farmers and guarantee standardized quality for customers.

Cowbell™ Milk Collection Can

The Cowbell™ branded milk can (stainless steel) is used to safely transport fresh camel milk from herders to our processing center. Features include:

  • Airtight seals to preserve freshness

  • Easy-to-clean design meeting hygiene standards

  • Durability for rough terrain travel in Garissa’s rangelands

Fun fact: These cans are often decorated by members to identify their batches!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick answers about membership, products, and sustainability of Balambala Camel Milk Cooperative Society

To become a member, you must:

  • Be a camel milk producer in Garissa County

  • Submit your ID, proof of residence, and livestock details

  • Attend a mandatory orientation session
    Contact us at 0726140801 to start the process!

Our camel milk is:

  • Rich in vitamin C, iron, and probiotics

  • Lower in lactose (easier to digest)

  • Naturally immune-boosting (ideal for children and lactating mothers)

We supply:

  • Local schools and hospitals in Garissa

  • Households and hotels in Balambala, Saka, Higle, and nearby wards
    Bulk orders? Call 0726140801 for delivery arrangements.

Yes! Members receive free training on:

  • Milk safety and hygiene

  • Making yogurt, susa (fermented milk), and sour milk

  • Upcoming skills: Camel milk biscuits and sweets (launching soon!)

  • Fresh milk: 3–5 days (chilled)

  • Fermented susa/yogurt: Up to 2 weeks

  • Sour milk: 1 week (sugar-free lasts longer)

Currently, we prioritize member-supplied milk to ensure quality and traceability. Join us to supply!

Yes! We comply with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Garissa County Public Health regulations.

Still have questions?

📞 Call 0726140801 or visit our Balambala office!