Digital tools transform dairy farming in Kenya

KENYA – Technology is changing how dairy farmers in Kenya manage their farms, bringing precision and efficiency to an industry that has long relied on traditional methods. 

The shift is evident at David Wamae’s farm in Karen, southwest of Nairobi’s central business district, where a few taps on his phone provide real-time data on milk production, breeding schedules, and early signs of illness in his cows.

“We had no point of reference to actually monitor and evaluate ourselves. But right now, we can know which areas where we are having challenges, and thereby coming up with solutions or mitigations that help us in our business,” Wamae said.

Kenya’s dairy sector contributes over 14% of the country’s GDP, yet small and mid-sized farmers have struggled with inefficiencies, including unpredictable yields, disease outbreaks, and financial losses due to poor record-keeping. 

A report by DigiCow Africa Limited indicates that digital solutions are helping farmers track data in real-time, improving management practices and increasing milk production. 

Farmers using the DigiCow dairy farming mobile app have reported significant improvements, while those without smartphones can still access information via SMS or receive training in their local languages.

According to Ronnie Njuguna, DigiCow Africa Limited’s Lead IT, technology eliminates guesswork in dairy farming, enabling better decision-making. 

“With digital solutions, farmers no longer have to guess. They can track data in real-time, manage their cows better, and ultimately, increase their yields,” he noted.

Despite the benefits, adoption remains a challenge. Many farmers hesitate due to concerns about cost, complexity, or lack of familiarity with digital tools. 

However, those who have embraced the technology report significant gains. Wamae notes that the transition has been crucial for his farm’s success. 

“This came in as a solution to actually help farmers with the management of the farms. So me, I’m a fan of innovations, and if you’re going to stay in business and keep afloat, you have to keep on with the trending patterns and whatever is new that comes to help the farmer is definitely a welcome,” he says.

DigiCow has supported more than 500,000 farmers across Kenya through training and digital integration. 

Wamae’s farm, which currently milks eight cows, has seen profits rise by 30%, with daily milk production reaching up to 300 liters.

Wamae walks across his farm as the afternoon wears on, glancing at his phone. The data tells him everything he needs to know. 

For Kenya’s dairy industry, the future is digital and for farmers like Wamae, that future has already begun.

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