Dairy value chain in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties has received a major boost after delivery of nine new solar-powered milk coolers to farmers cooperatives.
Four coolers were delivered to Uasin Gishu while Nandi County received five.
In Usain Gishu, the coolers were commissioned in an event graced by Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
The coolers will benefit Ainabkoi, Kongasis Kina, Tingwo, and Uswo Farmers Cooperative Societies a move governor Bii said marks a significant step forward in strengthening the County’s dairy value chain.
“We are deliberately transforming our dairy value chain through strategic investments in milk aggregation, value addition, and market access,” the governor said.
Additionally, the county boss said through their partnership with the National Government, they have established 46 milk cooler housing units while expanding climate-smart fodder production, improved breeding programmes, extension services, and solarized milk cooling facilities.
“The planned milk processing plant in Kapseret and the nearing completion of the Mugundoi Animal Feeds Factory will further enhance value addition, and lower production costs,” he added.
How many milk coolers are in Nandi County?
In Nandi County, Dr. Bishar Fille Elmi, Director of Livestock Production at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development was the Chief Guest during the flagging off of five solar-powered bulk milk coolers under the Livestock Value Chain Support Project (LVCSP).
The county said the flagging off marked another significant milestone in strengthening the dairy value chain.
The five milk coolers, each with a capacity of 2,000 litres, will increase the total number of milk coolers established under the project in Nandi County to ten.
“These investments are aimed at reducing post-harvest milk losses, improving milk quality, enhancing value addition, and expanding market access for dairy farmers,” the county said in a statement.
Through the project, more than 7,500 dairy farmers are expected to benefit, with the coolers supporting the aggregation of approximately 15,000 litres of milk daily, valued at about KSh 735,000.
The initiative is projected to save 5.475 million litres of milk annually, worth over KSh 268 million, while creating employment opportunities and stimulating rural economies.
“The solar-powered cooling systems will also lower energy costs while promoting environmentally sustainable dairy production,” the county noted..
