Kirinyaga distributes 13 milk coolers in drive to boost dairy farming

The 13 milk coolers, with a combined storage capacity of 35,000 litres, were handed over to dairy cooperatives across the county. County officials said the investment is expected to reduce post-harvest milk losses, improve milk quality and enhance farmers' earnings by enabling better storage and access to formal markets.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Governor Anne Waiguru said the projects were identified through public participation and consultations with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), with the aim of addressing priority needs at the ward level.

Beyond the milk cooling facilities, the county distributed a range of items including a tractor, water pipes and fittings for community water projects, coffee seedlings, KSh20 million in support for ward-based savings and credit cooperative societies (Saccos), wheelchairs, tents, chairs, catering equipment, car wash machines, public address systems and other community empowerment tools.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the milk coolers were supplied following a request by Governor Waiguru to President William Ruto.

According to Mueke, the 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.

He said Kirinyaga has so far received 23 milk coolers under the first two phases of the national programme, adding that the government's long-term plan is to equip every dairy cooperative in the county with a milk cooling facility.

The new coolers will serve dairy cooperatives in Kabare, Mutira, Kiine, Njukiini, Nyangati, Kangai, Ngariama, Baragwi, Karumandi, Murinduko and Mukure wards. Kirima Slopes Dairy Cooperative received the largest unit, with a capacity of 10,000 litres, while Podago Dairy Cooperative and Rukingu Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society each received 5,000-litre coolers. The remaining cooperatives received units ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 litres.

In another agricultural intervention, the county disbursed KSh20 million to its 20 ward-based Saccos, with each receiving KSh1 million. County officials said the funding will benefit more than 9,300 farmers by expanding access to affordable credit and supporting investment in agricultural value chains.

Coffee farmers in Kabare Ward also received 25,000 grafted Ruiru 11 coffee seedlings distributed to 1,367 farmers from ten coffee factories. The county said the programme is intended to increase coffee production through adoption of improved and climate-resilient varieties.

Waiguru said county investments in extension services, soil testing, subsidised fertiliser and improved farming practices have contributed to higher coffee productivity and improved farmer returns.

To support mechanised farming, the county also handed over a tractor equipped with a trailer, disc plough and mouldboard plough to the Kirinyaga County Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre (KATVET). Officials estimate the equipment will support about 20,000 farmers through mechanisation services.

The county also distributed 4,397 UPVC water pipes, 108 rolls of HDPE pipes and 581 fittings to facilitate the implementation of 29 community water projects across ten wards. The projects are expected to improve water access for approximately 7,800 households while supporting irrigation and climate resilience.

As part of the wider programme, more than 4,000 households across 16 wards received various support items, including wheelchairs, motorbikes, water storage drums, energy-saving cooking stoves, reflector jackets for boda boda groups, sanitary towels, vending trolleys and other community equipment.

County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi said the county's empowerment programmes have supported economic development across Kirinyaga and commended collaboration between the county government and the county assembly in implementing the initiatives.

Kabare Ward MCA Isaiah Mbogo also welcomed the projects, saying they would contribute to improved livelihoods and agricultural development within the county.