The National Government has distributed five solar-powered milk coolers worth Sh 30 million to dairy farmers in Cherangany Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, in a bid to reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for milk producers.
Speaking during the handover at Biribiriet primary school grounds, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke said the coolers will benefit more than 2,700 dairy farmers by preserving over 18,000 litres of milk daily.
“The coolers will ensure farmers no longer incur losses due to spoilage. They will also save them from transporting milk over long distances in search of preservation facilities,” Mueke explained.
He noted the project is part of government efforts to support dairy cooperatives through subsidies aimed at increasing productivity and improving farmers’ earnings.
Mueke explained similar investments across the country have contributed towards Kenya emerging as Africa’s leading milk producer adding that the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to strengthen the dairy value chain and create sustainable incomes.
Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi lauded the intervention, noting the new units are solar-powered unlike previous coolers that relied on electricity and attracted high operational costs.
“These milk coolers will lower the cost of preservation and ease the burden on farmers who have been spending heavily on electricity,” Siyoi said.
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang said farmers had been forced to travel up to 17 kilometres to access cooling facilities, a challenge that affected milk quality and profits.
“With these coolers now stationed within their localities, farmers will save time and transport costs while ensuring milk reaches the market in good condition,” Chesang said.
Led by Judith Cherop, the beneficiaries hailed the national government for the initiative saying it will go a long way to boost their activities.
“We are happy because we now have cooling facilities closer to our homes. This will save us money and help us earn more from dairy farming,” Cherop said.
The distribution is expected to enhance milk quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve incomes for dairy farmers in the region.
By Isaiah Nayika and Winnie Jelagat
