The government, through the State Department for Livestock Development, has handed over nine milk coolers worth Sh60 million to dairy farmers in Ololung’a, Narok South, in a major boost to the region’s dairy sector growth.
The coolers are set to benefit more than 4,000 dairy farmers by enhancing milk storage, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving access to lucrative markets.
The newly launched cooling facilities are expected to handle up to 20,000 litres of milk daily, providing farmers with a reliable collection and preservation system that will help increase profitability and strengthen the dairy value chain in the area.
Speaking during the official launch, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, said the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming the dairy industry and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
“The nine milk coolers will help over 4,000 dairy farmers deliver up to 20,000 litres of milk on a daily basis. This will boost business and ensure farmers earn more from their dairy enterprises,” said Mueke.
The PS urged farmers to prioritize the production of high-quality milk, noting that quality remains a key determinant of earnings in the dairy sector.
In order to achieve this, he encouraged farmers to vaccinate their cattle regularly, revealing that the national government is working closely with the Narok County Government to provide subsidized vaccination services.
“To achieve high-quality milk production, farmers must ensure their animals are healthy through regular vaccination. We are collaborating with the county government to ensure farmers access vaccination subsidies from the national government,” he said.
Mueke also encouraged dairy farmers to embrace breed improvement through Artificial Insemination (AI), noting that improved breeds produce more milk and increase farm productivity.
He announced that the government has significantly reduced the cost of sexed semen from Sh8,000 to Sh1,000 to enable more farmers to access the technology.
“The use of sexed semen helps farmers get more heifers, which ultimately increases milk production. We have reduced the cost to make it affordable and accessible to all dairy farmers,” he added.
The PS further called on farmers to improve cattle nutrition through proper feeding practices, saying quality feeds play a critical role in increasing milk yields and enhancing milk quality.
He highlighted the government’s Quality-Based Payment System, under which farmers are rewarded according to both the quantity and quality of milk delivered. According to Mueke, milk with higher butterfat and protein content and lower bacterial levels attracts better prices and can earn farmers up to Sh 65 per litre.
“High-quality milk can be used to produce value-added products such as butter, cheese, ghee, and yoghurt. The better the quality, the higher the returns for farmers,” he said.
Mueke assured farmers that the government will continue supporting the dairy sector through training programmes aimed at improving production, quality, and incomes. He also announced that an additional 21 milk coolers will be delivered in the future to further strengthen dairy farming in the region.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone that will contribute to increased milk production and economic growth in the county.
The governor disclosed that the county government has donated a five-acre parcel of land for the construction of a Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) milk processing factory, noting that the delivery of the coolers comes at an opportune time.
“The milk coolers are timely because they will help farmers preserve their milk as we prepare for the establishment of the KCC milk factory. This will guarantee a ready market for our farmers and increase milk production across the county,” said Ntutu.
He urged the Ministry of Livestock Development to continue supporting dairy farmers through market linkages and the speedy establishment of the processing plant, saying the factory will not only enhance business opportunities but also create employment for local residents.
The launch marks a major step in the government’s efforts to modernize dairy farming facilities and strengthen food security while improving incomes for thousands of farming households in Narok County.
In attendance was the PS in the State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa.
By Emily Kadzo
