BY ANGELA R. KIURA
The Government of Kenya has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of animal feeds and increase milk production in a move aimed at improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening the livestock sector.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the initiatives at Kairuri Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, where he addressed hundreds of dairy farmers during the distribution of milk coolers to cooperative societies.
Kagwe said the government is providing land to investors to grow raw materials used in feed manufacturing.
“We are providing land to investors so that they can grow key raw materials for animal feeds. This will help increase supply, reduce the cost burden on our farmers, and improve their productivity,” he said.
He added that the government is also working to boost milk earnings by setting up more milk processing plants to promote value addition and strengthen the dairy value chain.
“Lowering feed prices is only part of the plan. We want our farmers to earn more from their milk by ensuring it is processed and value is added right here in Kenya,” Kagwe said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire praised the national government’s commitment, saying the initiatives align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which places farmers at the heart of Kenya’s development priorities.
“Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda places farmers at the heart of our development priorities. As a government, we are making deliberate strides to fulfill our commitment to empower farmers across all value chains,” Mbarire said.
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She emphasized that the dairy sector remains one of the key economic drivers and vital sources of livelihood for Embu residents.
“To strengthen this sector and ensure our farmers earn maximum returns from their efforts, we are implementing targeted interventions that promote efficiency and sustainability,” she said.
During the event, CS Kagwe joined by Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, and Dairy Board of Kenya Chairman Genesio Mugo and Governor Mbarire, flagged off and distributed 13 milk coolers to various cooperatives and community-based organizations across Runyenjes and Manyatta constituencies.
The beneficiaries included Kiangondi, Kathande Community, Ciandakika CBO (Gaturi North), Kanja Dairy Cooperative, Wang’ombe, Mbui Njeru CBO (Kagaari North), Kawanjara Cooperative (Kagaari South), Muminjuki (Ruguru Ngandori), Kiaga Cooperative (Mbeti North), Kibugu CBO, Tegemeo CBO, Kamavindi Cooperative (Nginda Ward), and Tumaini in Kithimu Ward.
“We remain committed to empowering farmers across all agricultural value chains, ensuring they derive full value from their hard work and contribution to our county’s economic growth,” Mbarire said.
The event was also attended by Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi alias Karemba and Members of the County Assembly Mary Kavinda, Muturi Mwombo, Paul Muchangi, and Maurice Macharia among others.
Farmers at the event welcomed the government’s interventions, expressing optimism that the measures will revive the dairy sector, lower feed costs, and enhance profitability.
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