Kenyan government equips Ndarugu dairy farmers with dairy equipment 

KENYA – Ndaragu Dairy Cooperative Society has received a boost in infrastructure, a pasteuriser, and a backup generator, under the National Dairy Support Programme.

The equipment was handed over to the Society by the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, and the Gatundu South Constituency Member of Parliament, Gabriel Kagombe.

PS Mueke said the equipment is part of the government’s ongoing national rollout of milk cooling infrastructure under Phase II of the Dairy Value Chain Support Programme (DVCSP).

“The handover of coolers not only boosts rural economies but also encourages sustainable practices among beneficiary cooperatives to maximise their utility and profitability,” he said.

The backup generator handed over will ensure uninterrupted operations at the facility, particularly in milk cooling and storage during power outages, which have been a persistent challenge for smallholder farmers.

Kenya’s dairy industry remains one of the most productive agricultural sectors, contributing 4 per cent to the National GDP and sustaining over 2 million livelihoods.

The government’s investment in bulk milk coolers is intended to enhance milk aggregation, improve quality control, and increase access to lucrative markets for dairy farmers.

During Phase I of the DVCSP (2017–2022), 350 milk coolers were distributed across 38 counties, significantly expanding cooperative capacity. Phase II targets 40 counties, with coolers ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 litres in capacity.

The handover marks another milestone in strengthening grassroots dairy cooperatives, advancing Kenya’s broader agricultural modernisation agenda and improving the livelihoods of local farmers through strategic infrastructure support.

The ceremony was also attended by local leaders, Ministry officials, and hundreds of dairy farmers, who expressed optimism for increased income and better bargaining power in the market.

This comes after the Kenyan government launched the installation of 230 bulk milk coolers, valued at Ksh1.45 billion (US$11.58 million), across 40 counties to boost the country’s dairy sector.         

The project marks a milestone in the dairy value chain, promising relief for farmers who have long struggled with losses caused by poor storage and limited market access.

Speaking during the official flag-off in Nyeri, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the coolers will improve milk handling, increase storage capacity, and enhance the value of dairy produce for millions of farmers.

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