Meru: Meru dairy farmers have received a major boost following key pronouncements by President William Ruto aimed at improving the sector’s productivity, profitability, and resilience. During the 10th Annual Meru Dairy Co-operative Union Farmers Field Day held at Gitoro ASK Showground in Meru County, the government and the Meru Dairy Co-operative Union unveiled new initiatives to address long-standing challenges faced by livestock farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a strategic move to combat low livestock prices and eliminate exploitation by middlemen, the Meru Dairy Co-operative Union launched a new website to market cows directly on behalf of farmers. The Union’s CEO Kenneth Gitonga stated that the online platform will serve as a digital marketplace connecting farmers to reliable buyers, enabling them to sell their livestock at fair prices. Gitonga emphasized that the platform was part of broader efforts by the union to embrace technology, not just in livestock sales, but also in milk collection, payments, and veterinary services.
Farmers within the co-operative have welcomed the development with optimism, expressing hope that the digital initiative would significantly improve their earnings and reduce dependence on middlemen who often take advantage of their lack of market access. A farmer, Mr. James Gatobu, mentioned that the move by the cooperative would enable them to get value for their hard work, expressing hope that the platform will provide the relief farmers need.
In further support of the dairy industry, President William Ruto made several pronouncements aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing costs for dairy farmers. Among the most impactful announcements was the drastic reduction in the cost of sexed semen from Sh4,000 to Sh1,000, effective July 1. President Ruto urged dairy farmers to embrace the use of sexed semen for better herd planning and higher milk yields.
President Ruto also pledged support in reducing the high cost of animal feed, noting that an animal feed manufacturing plant would be operational by the end of the year. He stated that this plant will help lower feed prices, which are a major expense for dairy farmers. To address milk wastage and improve storage capacity, the government has purchased 230 milk coolers for distribution nationwide, with 15 units allocated to Meru Dairy and additional units earmarked for Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Kirinyaga counties.
The President also addressed livestock health concerns, announcing the commencement of a vaccination campaign to combat diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease, starting in Meru. He emphasized the commitment to eradicating livestock diseases that are hurting farmers. The convergence of technological innovation by the Meru Dairy Co-operative Union and government-backed policy support signals a new era for dairy farmers in Meru and beyond.
Mr. James Ndwiga from Embu County expressed that if fully implemented, the measures put across by the government and the cooperative would be key in ensuring that farmers are happy with the returns from dairy farming, leading to a stabilized economy. With better access to markets, lower production costs, improved animal health, and enhanced storage infrastructure, farmers stand to gain significantly in terms of income, productivity, and sustainability.
Ms. Jennifer Kageni, a farmer from Tharaka Nithi County, stated that these measures, if well-implemented and monitored, could transform the dairy sector into a more modern, resilient, and profitable enterprise, offering farmers the dignity and prosperity they deserve.