By Monica Nashon
Four dairy cooperatives in Kisii County have received a boost following the rollout of milk coolers aimed at improving milk preservation, reducing losses and expanding access to formal markets.
The initiative, supported by the national government, saw the delivery of the coolers with a capacity of 1,000 litres each, targeting about 1,200 dairy farmers across the region.
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Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the project is a key priority under the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that it is expected to strengthen the dairy value chain and improve farmer incomes.
“This milk cooler project is a priority of the Kenya Kwanza government. President William Ruto was recently in Kisii and directed that the coolers for Kisii and Nyamira should arrive before June,” said Mueke.
He said the equipment would help farmers access structured markets and reduce post-harvest milk losses.
“Today we have brought four coolers with a capacity of 1,000 litres each. They will help about 1,200 farmers supply milk to the formal market,” he said.
Mueke further disclosed that youths had been trained to operate the cooling equipment, urging farmers to also prioritise livestock health to boost production.
“We have trained several youths on how to use and operate these coolers. Farmers should also ensure their cows are vaccinated properly so that they can produce more milk,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts under the government’s dairy breeding programme, noting reforms aimed at increasing herd productivity.
“We want farmers who get bull calves to receive heifers instead. The price of heifers has reduced from KSh 6,000 to KSh 1,000 so that farmers can keep more dairy cows and increase milk production,” he said.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati said his administration would continue supporting dairy farmers and cooperative societies through increased funding and infrastructure development.
“We will continue giving more money to societies so that dairy farming can grow well, and I will not allow Kisii farmers to suffer,” said Arati.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, noting that road construction projects are underway across the county.
“Currently, 83 kilometers of roads are being worked on in South Mugirango, 86 kilometers in Nyaribari, 56 kilometers in Kitutu Chache, and 75 kilometers in Bomachoge,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke commended the region’s strong agricultural base and urged continued support for development initiatives.
“Gusii is known for livestock farming, and the developments you are seeing are coming because people support the government. Let us continue supporting our leaders and appreciate the work being done in development and infrastructure,” he said.
West Mugirango Member of Parliament Stephen Mogaka thanked both levels of government for supporting dairy farming and urged residents to remain united.
“I want to thank the government for ensuring this region is also supported in dairy farming. United we stand, and we must stop division, hatred, and conflict,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to embrace agricultural productivity and seek support for inputs where necessary.
“To farmers, please work hard in your farming. Even if you need seeds, let us know so that we can help you get quality produce and improve your income,” he said.
Farmers welcomed the intervention, saying the milk coolers would significantly reduce spoilage and improve storage capacity.
Fred, a farmer from South Mugirango, said they were grateful for the support but called for more equipment to meet growing production needs.
“We thank you for bringing us these coolers today. As farmers, we are ready for more coolers so that we can continue storing our milk and improving our work,” he said.
Another farmer said improved dairy breeds had already boosted production.
“Before, we used to get only eight litres of milk, but now we are producing much more because of the good breeds we were given,” she said.
