Dairy farmers in Bomet and Kericho Counties gained valuable support this week. National government officials handed over bulk milk coolers of different sizes. The equipment targets smallholder producers in these prime dairy zones of the Rift Valley.
The initiative cuts milk spoilage and helps farmers earn more from their daily output.
Solar-Powered Coolers Handed Over in Kericho
On February 23, nine solar-powered bulk milk coolers arrived in Kericho County. Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke led the distribution at Moi Gardens in Kericho Town.
PS Mueke called the coolers a direct benefit for farmers. “These solar-powered milk coolers reduce post-harvest losses, preserve milk quality and enable farmers to earn more from their milk,” he said at the event.
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai hosted the ceremony. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, nominated Senator Joyce Korir, fellow PS Aurelia Chepkirui Rono, local MPs, MCAs, and dairy farmers joined.
The coolers operate under the Livestock Value Chain Support Project (LVCSP). They suit rural areas with limited grid power.
Roll-Out Continues in Bomet County
Distribution extended to Bomet County on the same day. PS Mueke confirmed more coolers reached cooperatives there.
“We continue rolling out bulk milk coolers to transform the dairy sector and put more money in farmers’ pockets,” he posted from Bomet.
The program fits the Kenya Kwanza government’s plan. It seeks to raise national milk production to 10 billion litres by 2027, up from 5.2 billion now.
Other supports include quality-based payments, subsidized sexed semen, cheaper feeds, and nationwide vaccination.
Reduced Losses and Better Earnings for Smallholders
Most farmers in Bomet and Kericho keep one to five cows. Without cooling, warm weather spoils milk fast during collection or transport.
New coolers allow quick chilling after milking. This keeps quality high for processors and cooperatives.
Farmers avoid rejected loads and low prices. Cooperatives handle larger volumes and negotiate better deals.
The equipment boosts daily handling capacity across the two counties. It strengthens the dairy value chain in tea-dairy mixed farming systems.
National Effort to Strengthen Cold Chain Infrastructure
The State Department for Livestock leads wider efforts. Similar coolers went to other counties before.
The program aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Dairy gets focus for jobs, nutrition, and export potential.
Partners like the Kenya Dairy Board help with standards and training.
Outlook for Improved Dairy Productivity
Farmers now prepare to integrate the coolers into routines. Maintenance training and hygiene guidelines will follow.
Officials stress linking coolers to reliable collection routes. Quality testing ensures top payments.
With these tools, Bomet and Kericho dairy sectors look set for growth. Farmers plan to expand herds and adopt better practices.
The government signals more distributions ahead. This practical support encourages long-term investment in Kenya’s dairy industry.
