Kirinyaga County distributes more milk coolers to dairy farmers

KENYA – Dairy farmers in Kirinyaga County have received milk coolers, following the county government’s effort to expand the distribution of milk cooling facilities.

Through the provision of milk coolers, backup power generators, cooperatives and producer organisations, losses have been reduced and more farmers have ventured into the dairy sector.

Speaking during the distribution of the latest batch of coolers, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said the interventions are part of the county government’s commitment to accelerating economic empowerment by investing in projects directly identified and prioritised by residents through public participation.

She noted that the milk coolers will help in reducing post-harvest losses, improve milk quality and enhance farmers’ earnings by enabling better storage and access to formal markets.

Earlier beneficiaries like the New Ngariama Farmers’ Cooperative Society stated that the number of farmers supplying milk rose from about 400 to over 600, while daily milk collection increased from 2,000 litres to more than 7,000 litres.

This growth follows the installation of a modern 10,000-litre milk cooler and a 100 KVA generator by the county government.

In July 2026, the County also distributed 13 milk coolers alongside agricultural equipment, water infrastructure materials and community support items in a programme aimed at strengthening livelihoods and improving agricultural productivity.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, during the distribution, noted that the US$696,000 (KSh90 million) investment is expected to benefit more than 17,000 dairy farmers by enabling the preservation of over 35,000 litres of milk daily, reducing spoilage and improving market access.

He also outlined ongoing national reforms in the dairy sector, including a quality-based milk payment system that is expected to increase prices for high-quality milk from about KSh43 to as much as KSh60 per litre.

Mueke further highlighted other government interventions in the livestock sector, including subsidised artificial insemination using sexed semen, whose cost has been reduced from KSh8,000 to KSh1,000, and subsidised vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease, now priced at KSh50 following government support.

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