Machakos County unveils US$66,700 milk processing plant

KENYA – Machakos County has officially launched the Matungulu Dairy Cooperative in Matungulu, valued at over US$66,700 (KES 10 million), and built entirely through farmers’ savings and contributions.

The facility is expected to transform local dairy incomes, strengthen the value chain, and enable the production of value-added products like yoghurt and mala.

This is expected to increase profitability by reducing reliance on raw milk sales and by ensuring better prices for producers. Currently, farmers in the area deliver over 3,700 litres of milk daily.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Douglas Makewa, one of the plant’s architects, said the plant’s completion is the result of years of discipline and collective effort.

Farmers contributed Kshs 2 from every litre of milk sold, with the proceeds later converted into individual shares. Additional funds came from the sale of a pickup truck the farmers had won through an M-Pesa promotion, which was also reinvested into the project.

Machakos County Executive for Agriculture, Rita Ndunge, lauded the farmers’ achievement, noting that it sets a strong example for other cooperatives in the county. She said the county government plans to further empower farmers through grants, farm machinery, and cold storage equipment to enhance productivity and sustainability.

“We want to ensure that dairy farmers across Machakos have access to the right infrastructure, from coolers to e-voucher vaccinations, to improve animal health and product quality,” she said.

Farmers in Ol Kalou establish new dairy cooperative

Additionally, farmers in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County took a significant step toward economic recovery by forming a new dairy cooperative following years of financial struggles.

The establishment of Ol Kalou United Savings and Credit Cooperative Society aims to restore the confidence of farmers who previously lost millions of shillings in shares under the debt-ridden Ol Kalou Dairy Limited.

According to county officials, the launch of the new cooperative was overseen by Nyandarua County’s Executive for Trade and Cooperative, John Muiru, who installed the society’s top leadership.

The move has been hailed as a fresh beginning for hundreds of farmers eager to secure better financial management and steady income from their milk deliveries.

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