GDFCS unveils US$3.5M Maziwa Faida project to benefit dairy farmers

KENYA – Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society (GDFCS) has launched a new US$3.5 million (Sh451.5 billion) public-private development partnership project, aimed at boosting the smallholder dairy farmers in Kiambu County.

Maziwa Faida (milk for profit) is an initiative that seeks to address the long-standing challenges faced by small-scale dairy producers, including low productivity, poor profitability, and limited access to technical expertise.

The two-year program is a collaborative effort between UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation), Tetra Pak, and GDFCS, with funding support from Sida through the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi.

It builds on the success of a previous Dairy Hub model introduced in 2022, which saw remarkable improvements in farm profitability, milk yield, and collection efficiency.

A cornerstone of the project is the establishment of a Dairy Academy at Githunguri, envisioned as a center of excellence for training farm advisors and smallholder farmers.

The academy will offer courses in modern dairy farming techniques, animal health, farm management, recordkeeping, and business skills—equipping farmers with the tools to thrive in a competitive market.

Beyond technical training, Maziwa Faida places a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices and inclusive growth, with targeted efforts to involve women and youth in the dairy value chain.

The initiative also aims to enhance the quality of milk supplied to GDFCS, reduce rejection rates, and improve margins above feed costs.

Speaking at the launch, UNIDO’s Deputy Country Representative Lynette Luvai expressed optimism about the project’s potential to uplift livelihoods.

Her sentiments were echoed by Marie Ottosson, Counsellor at the Embassy of Sweden, who highlighted the initiative’s role in unlocking opportunities for marginalized groups.

“The Embassy of Sweden is pleased to support the Pathways to profitable dairy farming project for the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Society to increase milk production and enhance job creation, especially for the youth and women,” she said.

Through the project, plans are underway to train more than 10,000 smallholder farmers in better dairy farming practices, with a strong emphasis on including women and youth.

It will also strengthen the capacity of farm advisors and extension officers while raising milk quality standards. Collaboration with national and county stakeholders will be critical to scaling up the Dairy Hub concept, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the financial sustainability of the Dairy Academy.

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