Governor Paul Simba Arati, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, and his Broadcasting and Telecommunications counterpart Stephen Isaboke officially launched four milk coolers for dairy farmers across Kisii County.
Kisii County dairy farmers have received support through the introduction of milk coolers designed to improve milk preservation, minimize losses, and expand market access. The initiative, backed by the national government, delivered four milk coolers each with a 1,000-liter capacity, benefiting approximately 1,200 dairy farmers in the region.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke emphasized that the project represents a key priority for the Kenya Kwanza administration, expected to strengthen the dairy value chain and enhance farmer incomes.
This milk cooler initiative is a priority for the Kenya Kwanza government. President William Ruto recently visited Kisii and directed that the coolers for both Kisii and Nyamira should be delivered before June, stated Mueke. He noted that the equipment will help farmers access formal markets and reduce post-harvest milk losses.
Today we have delivered four coolers with a capacity of 1,000 liters each. They will enable about 1,200 farmers to supply milk to the formal market, he said.
Mueke further mentioned that youths had been trained to operate the cooling equipment, encouraging farmers to focus on livestock health to increase production.
We have trained several youths on how to use and operate these coolers. Farmers should also ensure their cows receive proper vaccinations to produce more milk, he said.
He also highlighted ongoing government efforts in dairy breeding programs, noting reforms aimed at increasing herd productivity.
We want farmers who receive bull calves to get heifers instead. The price of heifers has been reduced from KSh 6,000 to KSh 1,000 so that farmers can maintain more dairy cows and increase milk production, he said.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati stated that his administration would continue supporting dairy farmers and cooperative societies through increased funding and infrastructure development.
We will continue allocating more resources to societies so that dairy farming can flourish, and I will not allow Kisii farmers to face challenges, said Arati.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, noting that road construction projects are progressing across the county.
Currently, 83 kilometers of roads are under construction in South Mugirango, 86 kilometers in Nyaribari, 56 kilometers in Kitutu Chache, and 75 kilometers in Bomachoge, he said.
PS Stephen Isaboke.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke praised the region’s robust agricultural foundation and encouraged continued support for development initiatives.
Gusii is known for livestock farming, and the progress you are witnessing is occurring because people support the government. Let us continue supporting our leaders and appreciating the development and infrastructure work being done, he said.
West Mugirango Member of Parliament Stephen Mogaka expressed gratitude to both levels of government for supporting dairy farming and urged residents to remain united.
I want to thank the government for ensuring this region receives support in dairy farming. United we stand, and we must end division, hatred, and conflict, he said.
He encouraged farmers to embrace agricultural productivity and seek support for inputs when needed.
To farmers, please work diligently in your farming. Even if you need seeds, let us know so that we can help you obtain quality produce and improve your income, he said.
Farmers welcomed the intervention, stating that the milk coolers would significantly reduce spoilage and improve storage capacity.
Fred, a farmer from South Mugirango, expressed gratitude for the support but requested more equipment to meet growing production needs.
We thank you for bringing us these coolers today. As farmers, we are ready for additional coolers so that we can continue storing our milk and improving our work, he said.
Another farmer mentioned that improved dairy breeds had already increased production.
Previously, we used to obtain only eight liters of milk, but now we are producing significantly more due to the quality breeds we received, she said.