Murang’a: More than 18,000 dairy farmers in Murang’a County are set to benefit from 12 bulk milk coolers worth Sh87.94 million, in an intervention expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve milk handling, and raise farmers’ incomes. The coolers, delivered to dairy cooperative societies in the county, have a combined capacity to handle more than 37,000 litres of milk produced daily, according to the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the handover ceremony at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Seeds headquarters in Murang’a, Mueke stated that the project would save dairy farmers an estimated Sh661.75 million annually in post-harvest milk losses and create about 296 direct employment opportunities. He emphasized that the milk coolers would also create business hubs at aggregation centres, maximizing the benefits of the Sh87.94 million investment.
The intervention comes amid an acute milk shortage in the country, which Mueke attributed to inadequate rainfall over the past two months, among other factors. He identified poor remuneration of farmers by dairy cooperatives as a major factor contributing to reduced milk production, and urged cooperatives to pay farmers well to encourage investment in quality feeds during dry seasons.
Mueke also highlighted that the government had made sexed semen technology available at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC) at a reduced cost, aiming to boost dairy production. This technology guarantees 90 percent female calves, which could increase herd growth and milk production, strengthening Kenya’s dairy value chain.
Lands and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome encouraged dairy farmers to increase production from their existing herds rather than increasing the number of animals. She advocated for joining cooperatives to enhance bargaining power and cushion against price uncertainties.
Dairy farmers expressed optimism about the new coolers, which they believe will reduce spoilage, minimize financial losses, and enable better price negotiations. Julius Irungu Mwangi, chairman of Iyego Dairy Cooperative Society, and John Chege Mwangi, chairperson of Juhudi Cooperative Society-Gatura, highlighted the importance of these facilities in helping farmers secure better prices and reducing losses.
The farmers also called for government intervention to lower the cost of dairy feeds and supplements, as high input prices continue to undermine investment in the sector. They stressed that payments do not match rising feed costs, discouraging further investment and efforts to address recurring milk shortages.
