Meru field day milestone: President Ruto pledges to boost dairy Sector

KENYA – President William Ruto has announced a reduction in the cost of sexed semen from the current KES 4,000 to KES 1,000, effective July 1, 2025, to boost dairy farming.

Speaking during the 10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day at Gitoro ASK showground, President Ruto said the government was committed to subsidising the cost of production to improve the dairy sector.

“From next month, farmers should pay Ksh 1,400 for sexed semen to serve dairy animals. We want to transform the lives of dairy farmers,” he pointed out.

He urged farmers to embrace the use of sexed semen to improve their production. This will allow farmers to choose the sex of the offspring, typically favoring heifers in dairy herds to boost milk production and herd replacement.

In its bid to support dairy farming and reduce milk wastage, the President stated that the government has purchased 230 coolers nationwide through the Department of Livestock.

The President pointed out that the programme is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance milk quality, safety, and market access for farmers. He said out of the 230 coolers, 15 will be distributed to dairy farmers in Meru County.

“The milk coolers are crucial in maintaining milk quality and safety. It inhibits bacterial growth and extends milk’s shelf life,” President Ruto said.

Additionally, the President said the State Department of Livestock is vaccinating animals against diseases, and directed that the drive moves to Meru County.

He noted that the reforms in agriculture have yielded results, raising farmers’ earnings from Ksh 35 per litre in 2022 to Ksh 53 now.

“I am impressed that farmers are now selling their milk at Ksh 50 a litre compared to Ksh 35 in the recent past,” the President said.

10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day

The 10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day was held on June 21, 2025, at the ASK Showground in Meru County, drawing over 35,000 farmers from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and even Rwanda. The field day focused on innovation, youth engagement, and sustainable dairy practices.

With the theme Elevating Sustainable Livelihoods Through Dairy Farming”—a call to action for farmers to adopt modern, efficient, and eco-friendly practices, about 100 top-producing dairy cows from the region were exhibited at the Meru Showground, with youthful farmers being at the forefront of the show.

To address the challenges faced by dairy farmers in selling their livestock at fair prices, the union announced the launch of a new website designed to market cows on behalf of farmers.

The union CEO, Kenneth Gitonga, said that farmers have long struggled with low market prices for their cows, often forced to sell them at a loss.

“It has become increasingly hard for farmers to find reliable buyers, and when they do, the cows are sold at a very cheap price that does not reflect their value. This platform will not only give farmers better visibility but also ensure transparency in pricing. Our goal is to help farmers get the value they deserve” Gitonga explained.

The initiative is expected to connect farmers to better markets and ensure they receive fair compensation for their livestock.

Additionally, President Ruto announced an additional Ksh 1 million to complete the purchase of the necessary factory infrastructure, enabling farmers to access affordable and standardised animal feeds.

He noted that the construction of an animal feed factory belonging to the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union was complete, and the installation of the necessary equipment would be in place by the end of the year.

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