County dairy stakeholders plan milk cooler distribution, value addition

KENYA – The State Department of Livestock in Kakamega County has convened dairy stakeholders to strategize on distributing milk coolers and advancing value addition initiatives. 

The session, held at the county headquarters, aimed to bolster dairy production and align with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s vision for food security and economic empowerment.

The gathering included key figures such as Livestock Chief Officer Jessica Weku and Livestock Director Henry Odanga, alongside representatives from dairy cooperatives and the County Commissioner’s office. 

Leading the delegation was John Oyato from the State Department of Livestock, who emphasized the importance of equipping farmer producer organizations and cooperatives with modern tools to enhance milk quality and market access. 

Discussions centered on the strategic distribution of milk coolers and related equipment to ensure dairy farmers can preserve milk effectively, reducing spoilage and increasing profitability.

The Kakamega County Dairy Development Corporation highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to transform the dairy sector. 

The forthcoming Malava Milk Processing Plant, a flagship project, was a focal point, with stakeholders exploring ways to maximize its impact through value addition processes like producing yogurt, cheese, and UHT milk.

“Our goal is to make Kakamega a hub for dairy exports, not just a consumer of milk from neighboring regions,” said Jessica Weku during the meeting, highlighting the county’s ambition to shift from importing 80% of its milk to becoming self-sufficient.

The meeting also addressed the need for training programs to help farmers adopt modern dairy practices and improve livestock breeds. 

According to Henry Odanga, the county has already distributed over 1,790 dairy cows through the One Cow Initiative, significantly boosting milk production from 131.7 million liters in 2015 to 182.6 million liters in 2021. 

Stakeholders agreed to establish additional milk collection centers to support the Malava plant’s anticipated capacity of 50,000 liters daily.

“We are committed to empowering our farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive,” stated John Oyato, reinforcing the State Department’s support for the initiative. 

The Dairy Anchor for Kakamega highlighted the role of cooperatives in ensuring fair pricing and market access for smallholder farmers. 

The collaborative efforts signal a promising future for Kakamega’s dairy industry, with plans to operationalize the Malava plant by year-end, creating jobs and enhancing economic growth.

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