Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki on Friday handed over nine milk coolers valued at Sh100 million to dairy cooperatives in Kiambu County, aiming to enhance milk preservation and increase farmers' incomes. The equipment, distributed at the Limuru Milk Processing Plant, will be allocated to cooperative societies serving nine sub-counties, benefiting approximately 21,000 dairy farmers. The initiative is part of a government program to strengthen the dairy value chain by reducing post-harvest losses and enabling farmers to negotiate better prices. Kindiki emphasized that the coolers would
The government has already distributed 227 milk coolers out of a planned 230 under the current phase, with three remaining to be delivered before the next distribution round in February 2027. Kindiki highlighted the dairy sector's role in Kenya's economy, noting the industry generates hundreds of billions of shillings annually and supports rural livelihoods. He reiterated the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to agricultural value chains, stating the coolers represent
Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke urged cooperatives and processors lacking cooling infrastructure to submit formal applications for milk coolers, promising assessments and allocations based on need. He stressed the importance of placing facilities near high-volume milk collection areas to prevent spoilage and price volatility. The new coolers will complement Limuru Dairy's operations, which processes 30,000 liters of milk daily, ensuring a stable supply for processors while securing better market access for farmers. Mueke noted that
The distribution of milk coolers underscores the government's focus on expanding access to critical infrastructure for Kenya's dairy sector. With 227 units already issued and the final three set for 2027, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to boost milk quality, volume, and farmer incomes. The program also aims to strengthen cooperative institutions and integrate smallholders into formal markets, reflecting the sector's central role in rural economic development.