Kenyan National Government distributes 5 solar-powered milk coolers

KENYA – The National Government has distributed five solar-powered milk coolers worth US$231,000 (KES30 million) to dairy farmers in Cherangany Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, in a bid to reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for milk producers.

Speaking during the handover at Biribiriet primary school grounds, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke said the coolers will benefit more than 2,700 dairy farmers by preserving over 18,000 litres of milk daily.

“The coolers will ensure farmers no longer incur losses due to spoilage. They will also save them from transporting milk over long distances in search of preservation facilities,” Mueke explained.

He noted the project is part of government efforts to support dairy cooperatives through subsidies aimed at increasing productivity and improving farmers’ earnings.

Mueke explained similar investments across the country have contributed towards Kenya emerging as Africa’s leading milk producer adding that the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to strengthen the dairy value chain and create sustainable incomes.

Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi lauded the intervention, noting the new units are solar-powered unlike previous coolers that relied on electricity and attracted high operational costs.

“These milk coolers will lower the cost of preservation and ease the burden on farmers who have been spending heavily on electricity,” Siyoi said.

Trans Nzoia relaunches school milk programme for 43,000 ECDE learners

In 2025, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya relaunched a school milk-feeding programme aimed at benefiting over 43,000 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners.

A report by the county government indicated that Sh70 million has been allocated to finance the Ukombozi School Milk initiative, which will provide milk to learners twice a week.

Speaking during the launch, Natembeya described education as the cornerstone of civilisation and development. 

He emphasised that the programme goes beyond providing milk, saying it is an investment in the health and well-being of the county’s youngest learners. 

According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance both academic performance and physical growth. The first consignment of milk has already been delivered following a partnership with New Kenya Cooperative Creameries to ensure a consistent supply.

Beyond the feeding programme, Natembeya reported that his administration has made progress in improving school infrastructure. 

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