The Senior Nyeri Dairy Farmers Group has received a major boost after the government, through the Livestock Value Chain Support Project, handed over a 2,000-litre milk cooler to help reduce post-harvest losses and improve productivity.
The handover took place during an educative forum led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe in Muruguru Ward, attended by over 1,500 local dairy farmers. The session focused on modern dairy practices, value addition, and knowledge exchange aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and income.
Speaking at the event, CS Kagwe emphasized the importance of equipping farmers with modern tools and skills. “Through these initiatives, we are not just providing equipment; we are empowering farmers to maximize returns, improve milk quality, and embrace value addition,” he said.
Farmers welcomed the intervention, highlighting the challenge of milk spoilage due to inadequate storage facilities. The new cooler will enable timely storage and distribution of milk, ensuring reduced wastage and improved profitability for dairy groups across Muruguru Ward.
The government has also rolled out reforms in the livestock sector, including subsidies on veterinary inputs, better vaccines, and support for milk processing. These efforts aim to strengthen Kenya’s dairy industry, enabling farmers to thrive while contributing to national food security.
Senior Nyeri Dairy Farmers Group chairperson lauded the move as transformative for the community. “This milk cooler is a game-changer. It ensures that our hard work in rearing dairy cows translates into better earnings and sustainable growth for our families,” he said.
With improved infrastructure and knowledge-sharing platforms, farmers in Nyeri are now better positioned to embrace modern dairy practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and drive the growth of the local dairy economy.
