Makiou Dairy Farmers receives US$42,133 grant to support solar installation

KENYA – Makiou Dairy Farmers Co-operative has received a US$42,133 (KES5.47 million) Enterprise Development Fund grant issued by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr to support solar power installation at its milk cooling centres and construction of an animal feeds centre.

The investment will lower electricity costs, improve milk preservation, and ensure farmers have access to affordable, quality livestock feeds to sustain production during dry seasons.

Serving 324 registered farmers, the cooperative operates milk cooling centres at Kwakingee and Lumu, alongside a newly established milk collection centre at Kasikeu Market, expanding access to milk collection services.

Governor Mutula said the County Government remains committed to empowering farmer cooperatives through strategic investments that improve productivity, strengthen market access and increase household incomes.

Kenyan government injects US$72,800 to empower dairy farmers in Makueni County

Recently, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), injected over US$72,800 (KES 9.425 million) into the Nguu/Masumba Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society to accelerate dairy value chain development and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

Presiding over the event, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili presented an Inclusion Grant of US$6,215 (KES 805,500) and a matching grant of US$66,435 (KES 8.6 million) for the construction and equipping of the cooperative’s office.

Mulili said the investment will support the installation of a solar-powered milk cooling system to reduce electricity costs, curb milk spoilage caused by power outages, and improve milk quality.

The project will also establish a mechanization hub equipped with modern farm machinery to boost fodder production, lower feed costs, and make mechanization services more accessible to dairy farmers.

Funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank through NAVCDP, the initiative is expected to increase dairy productivity, strengthen market competitiveness, enhance farmer incomes, and promote climate-smart, sustainable agriculture in the region.

Additionally, Makueni County has continued to strengthen its dairy sector by implementing the Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, aimed at improving dairy herd genetics, increasing milk production, boosting household incomes, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

The workshop, which involved County Veterinary Officers, Dairy Cooperative leaders, and Service providers, focused on semen quality assurance, supply chain management, breed improvement strategies and data recording and reporting systems.

To receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world, SUBSCRIBE HERE.