Introduction to the Initiative
A significant development in Kenya’s agricultural sector has been the launch of 13 milk coolers for dairy farmer groups in Runyenjes and Manyatta, Embu County. This initiative was officially flagged off by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during an event hosted by Governor Cecily Mbarire. The introduction of these coolers marks a major step forward in enhancing milk productivity, improving quality, and increasing farmer incomes across the region.
Investment and Impact
The installation of these milk coolers came at a cost of Sh77.93 million and is expected to benefit over 3,900 farmers. These coolers will enable the aggregation of 25,000 liters of milk per day, valued at Sh1.125 million daily. Annually, this translates to 9.12 million liters of milk worth Sh410.6 million.
“This investment will allow farmers to improve milk storage and quality, enabling them to venture into value addition, such as producing milk powder and other dairy products for sale both locally and in export markets,” said Kagwe.
Government Policies and Opportunities
This initiative follows the government’s recent decision to ban the importation of milk powder, which opens up new opportunities for local processors. The coolers are anticipated to transform aggregation centers into vibrant business hubs, generating employment and stimulating auxiliary services within the dairy ecosystem.
Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the dairy value chain, reducing post-harvest losses, and stabilizing farmer incomes through targeted investments and supportive policies. He highlighted that the State Department for Livestock Development continues to scale up farmer support through subsidies on vaccination, sexed semen, and affordable animal feeds, ensuring a sustainable and profitable dairy sector.
National Strategy and Rollout
The distribution and installation of milk coolers are part of President William Ruto’s key intervention to subsidize the cost of production, aiming to improve the dairy sector and move smallholder farmers from subsistence to commercial farming. The rollout began in June-July 2025, with initial batches flagged off by President Ruto in Meru County on June 21. Subsequent handovers were led by other government officials in various counties, including Nyandarua and Embu.
The ongoing project aims to distribute a total of 230 bulk milk coolers to 40 counties under a Sh1.45 billion initiative. Once installed and operational, the government anticipates that the coolers will increase the national milk chilling capacity by 475,000 liters daily, directly and indirectly supporting over 2 million people.
Challenges and Goals
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya produced an estimated 5.3 billion liters of milk in 2024, with 80 percent coming from smallholder farmers. However, the country still loses approximately six percent of marketed milk annually—about 175 million liters valued at Sh7.9 billion—to post-harvest losses. The milk coolers aim to reduce these losses, improve quality and safety, and help farmers secure better market prices.
Conclusion
The introduction of milk coolers represents a critical step toward a more efficient and profitable dairy sector in Kenya. By investing in infrastructure and supportive policies, the government is paving the way for smallholder farmers to transition into commercial agriculture. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for long-term sustainability and growth in the dairy industry. As the rollout continues, the impact of these coolers is expected to be felt across the nation, benefiting millions of people involved in the dairy value chain.