More than 17,500 dairy farmers in Kirinyaga County are set to benefit from improved milk preservation, reduced post-harvest losses and higher earnings following the distribution of 13 bulk milk coolers worth Sh90 million by the national government.
The milk coolers, with a combined daily storage capacity of 35,000 litres, are expected to strengthen the dairy value chain by improving milk quality, enhancing storage capacity and enabling cooperative societies to access better markets.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Kirinyaga County, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting dairy farmers through modern infrastructure that increases productivity and profitability.
Mueke said the project was implemented following a request made by Governor Anne Waiguru to President William Ruto during the President’s recent development tour of the county.
He noted that inadequate milk storage facilities have for years contributed to significant post-harvest losses, forcing farmers to dispose of spoiled milk or sell it at low prices.
“The milk coolers will enable cooperative societies to preserve milk for longer periods, improve product quality and negotiate better prices through collective marketing,” he said.
The Principal Secretary urged farmers to embrace the Quality Based Milk Payment System, explaining that the programme rewards producers who deliver clean, hygienically handled and high-quality milk.
He said farmers currently earning an average of Sh43 per litre could receive up to Sh60 per litre under the quality-based payment model.
To support the transition, the State Department for Livestock Development is training farmers on proper milk handling, hygiene and quality assurance to enable them to benefit from the new pricing system.
Mueke further outlined other government interventions aimed at improving livestock production and increasing farmers’ incomes.
These include subsidised artificial insemination services using sexed semen, whose cost has been reduced from Sh8,000 to Sh1,000, as well as subsidised vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease at Sh50 per animal.
He disclosed that Kirinyaga County has now received a total of 23 milk coolers under the first two phases of the programme, adding that the government’s long-term objective is to ensure every dairy cooperative in the county has access to modern milk cooling facilities.
Mueke assured farmers that the national government would continue investing in livestock production through value addition infrastructure, affordable production technologies and market reforms designed to improve farmers’ earnings.
He said strengthening cooperative societies remains central to the government’s strategy of building a competitive and sustainable dairy industry.
Governor Anne Waiguru welcomed the investment, saying it would significantly improve milk handling, reduce spoilage and enhance farmers’ bargaining power through collective marketing.
She noted that milk cooling infrastructure plays a critical role in preserving quality from the farm to processing plants, enabling cooperatives to aggregate larger milk volumes and access more competitive markets.
“The investment will strengthen our dairy cooperatives while creating opportunities for value addition and increasing household incomes,” she said.
Waiguru reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to partnering with the national government to implement projects that directly improve livelihoods and transform agriculture.
Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi also lauded the initiative, saying investments in agriculture and cooperatives have continued to improve the economic wellbeing of residents.
He noted that the delivery of the 13 milk coolers fulfilled a request Governor Waiguru presented to President William Ruto during his recent visit to the county.
Murimi said the project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments in accelerating development and improving service delivery.
He also commended Members of the County Assembly for approving development programmes that have strengthened agriculture and cooperative societies across the county.
The Speaker urged leaders to remain focused on development initiatives that uplift residents rather than engaging in divisive politics.
The 13 milk coolers have been distributed to dairy cooperatives in Kabare, Mutira, Kiine, Njukiini, Nyangati, Kangai, Ngariama, Baragwi, Karumandi, Murinduko and Mukure wards.
Officials said the investment is expected to reduce post-harvest milk losses, improve product quality, expand market opportunities and significantly increase incomes for thousands of dairy farmers across Kirinyaga County.
By David Wandeto
