Kenyan government distributes more dairy coolers to reduce losses

KENYA – Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has handed over nine milk coolers valued at US$770,713 (KES 100million) to dairy cooperative societies aimed at reducing losses.

The 13 coolers are expected to benefit more than 21,500 dairy farmers, helping them aggregate 43,000 litres of milk every day and save 15.7 million litres from post-harvest losses annually, valued at approximately KSh 769 million.

Prof. Kindiki said the equipment formed part of a wider government programme to strengthen the dairy value chain by helping farmers preserve the quality of their milk before it reaches processors.

Cooling milk soon after collection slows spoilage and allows cooperatives to aggregate larger volumes for sale.

The DP said the government had so far distributed 227 milk coolers out of a planned 230 under the current phase of the programme. The remaining three machines are expected to be delivered before another round of distribution begins in February 2027.

He noted that dairy farming has remained an important source of income for rural households and should receive sustained public investment, as Kenya produces more than five billion litres of milk annually, accounting for a substantial share of Africa’s milk output.

In July 2026, the government 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, 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.

In May, the government also commissioned two solar-powered milk coolers with a capacity of 1,000 litres each for Tana River cooperative societies to boost dairy farming.

The milk coolers come as the Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe has said farmers will be rewarded based on milk quality, including protein and butterfat content, to support value addition in the dairy sector.

The CS said the reforms are driven by rising demand for products such as cheese and yoghurt, which depend on milk quality rather than volume.

Kagwe noted that the transition will be gradual because milk-testing equipment is not yet available at all collection centres.

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