By E, KNA
The Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, has commissioned a series of milk coolers for dairy farmers cooperative societies in Kimulot Ward, Konoin Sub-County, in Bomet County.
The commissioning of modern milk coolers marks a major step in the government’s efforts to strengthen dairy farming and cooperative societies.
Speaking during the event, Mueke said the project, implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, aims to enhance milk preservation, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers’ earnings across the region.
Six milk coolers valued at approximately Sh700,000 each have been installed and are expected to benefit about 2,700 dairy farmers in both Bomet and neighboring Kericho counties.
“I am here to represent the government and President William Ruto, who remains committed to empowering farmers and strengthening cooperative movements to enable farmers reap maximum benefit from their venture,” Mueke said.
In a bid to boost the Dairy Sector in the region, the Principal Secretary emphasized that the coolers will support several cooperative societies, including Host SACCO in Konoin, Kimbilio Daima SACCO, Chebunyo SACCO in Chepalungu, and Mulot SACCO in Bomet East.
He noted that improved milk storage infrastructure will stabilize prices and enhance market access for farmers.
Mueke urged farmers to adopt modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence–based agricultural services, to improve productivity and farm management. He added that the government has reduced the cost of sexed semen from Sh8,000 to Sh1,000 to help farmers improve dairy breeds and boost milk production.
Additionally, he called on livestock farmers nationwide to participate in the ongoing national livestock vaccination exercise aimed at controlling diseases and improving animal health to bolster animal product export markets.
Pushing for Crop Diversification the host Member of Parliament for Konoin Constituency Brighton Yegon said the milk cooling project would also strengthen at least eight additional cooperatives in the region while supporting broader agricultural reforms.
Yegon noted that declining tea earnings — previously ranging between Sh20 and Sh30 per kilogram, have made diversification necessary.
According to the MP, a new bill being developed jointly with the Senate seeking to promote direct produce sales and value addition to improve farmer incomes.
The legislator further announced a diversification program that will distribute 100,000 tea seedlings within a week, urging farmers to register to benefit from the initiative.
Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot, reaffirmed the region’s political support for President Ruto, stating that the memorandum of understanding between local leaders and the President remains intact.
Cheruiyot who’s also senator for Kericho county said the Kenya Kwanza administration has made significant progress in delivering its manifesto, citing achievements in agriculture, infrastructure development, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Affordable Housing Programme.
On his part Bomet Senator, Hillary Sigei, praised the government’s agricultural interventions, particularly the fertilizer subsidy program that has reduced prices from about Sh7,000 to Sh2,000 per bag, easing production costs for farmers.
Other leaders present included Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir, nominated Senator Joyce Korir, Principal Secretary State department of parliamentary affairs, Aurelia Rono, alongside several elected leaders and cooperative representatives from across the region.
The commissioning of the milk cooler project signals the government’s continued focus on modernizing livestock farming while encouraging diversification as a strategy to cushion farmers against fluctuating commodity prices and strengthen rural economies.