The government has distributed 230 bulk milk coolers across 41 counties to cushion the country from milk supply shortage and reduce losses after milking.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Agriculture and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe disclosed the details while appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, September 16, stating that the State Department of Livestock Development procured the coolers during the 2024/2025 financial year at a contract sum of KSh1.4 billion.

The equipment was distributed to 230 dairy producer organisations in 41 counties, targeting farmers who have struggled with milk wastage before their produce reaches markets.

“If the milk is not cooled, it will be wasted, and that is why we have these coolers. But when we give these coolers, we have noticed that farmers benefit because there is no wastage of milk,” CS Kagwe stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

Adding, “In the financial year 2024/2025, the State Department of Livestock Development procured 230  bulk milk coolers at a contract sum of Ksh1.4 billion.” Of the 230 coolers, Baringo received six coolers, while Bomet got nine, Bungoma got three, Busia got one, and Marakwet got seven under the nationwide distribution plan.

Other beneficiary counties are covered in the ministry’s distribution schedule, with the coolers allocated according to dairy production needs and the approved selection criteria.

The government expects the equipment to support more than 115,000 dairy farmers by improving milk collection and reducing losses at aggregation centres.

The coolers are expected to help dairy organisations aggregate 475,000 litres of milk daily, estimated at Ksh23.28 million per day financially.

The ministry is also considering a second phase after receiving high demand, including requests from dairies that have outgrown their existing 1,000-litre cooling capacity, according to CS Kagwe.

Of the 230 coolers, 200 are solar-powered and are projected to save dairy organisations about Ksh200,000 daily in electricity costs, translating to Ksh73 million annually.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke