Kisii: The National Government has handed over four solar-driven bulk milk coolers worth Sh18.8 million to cooperative societies in Kisii County that will benefit about 1200 dairy farmers. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre on the outskirts of Kisii town, Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the solar-driven, 1,000-litre capacity coolers will enable the farmers to aggregate 4,000 litres of milk every day and improve farmers’ earnings.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mueke noted that the infrastructure will protect the daily yield from post-harvest spoilage, save 1.4 million litres of milk annually, and boost the local economy. The government has also implemented measures to support farmers, including the provision of subsidized sexed semen at Sh 1000, ongoing animal vaccination programs, and planned farmer field days to enhance sensitization and capacity building. The national project aims at contributing to a 30% increase in household incomes among dairy farming and pastoralist communities by 2028. Mueke urged cooperative managements to maintain these investments, breed better cows, and scale up daily production.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke, who accompanied the Agriculture PS, mentioned that the initiative is part of the ‘whole of government approach’ to transform local dairy cooperatives into thriving commercial enterprises. While the State Department for Livestock Development expands the physical cold-chain architecture, the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications will provide digital and information infrastructure to make these assets commercially viable. Isaboke highlighted that modern connectivity will allow farmers to use public communication channels and digital informational programs, enabling access to daily market price indexes, weather patterns, and updates on animal husbandry and cooperative management.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati welcomed the initiative, noting that the milk coolers will support ongoing programs such as the school milk feeding initiative, ensuring a steady supply of quality milk to learners while boosting local farmer incomes. Arati expressed the county’s commitment to supporting local dairy farmers by establishing a local facility to provide a ready market and enhance child nutrition. Plans are also underway to install additional milk coolers across the county.
The beneficiary groups in Kisii include the Kekapu Women Group based in Nyosia within Bogeka Ward, Kitutu Chache South Constituency, the Bote Dairy Sacco Society, commercially known as the Majoge Farmers Self Help Group in Bomachoge Chache, the Nyamarambe Township Milk Handling Group in South Mugirango, and the Kisii South Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society within the Bonchari Constituency. Monica Awino, Chairlady of the Kekapu group, expressed gratitude to the national and county governments for donating the milk coolers, stating that the equipment will boost milk production and improve earnings.
The team visited the County Milk Processing Factory at the Kisii Agricultural Training Center (ATC) to assess the progress of the project, which aims at driving value addition and supporting local dairy farmers.
