By Murugi Ndwiga
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, has urged dairy farmers in Embu County to scale up milk production and take advantage of the growing market for dairy products both locally and regionally.
Speaking in Kanja and Kairuri grounds in Embu County, during the flagging-off ceremony of 13 new milk coolers valued at KSh 77.93 million, Kagwe said the initiative will directly benefit more than 3,900 farmers across the county.
“Today, we are flagging off 13 modern milk coolers that can collectively hold up to 25,000 litres of milk per day,” Kagwe said. “This capacity translates into significant daily income for our farmers. As a government, we are determined to strengthen the dairy value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize farmer incomes.”
Follow Trends: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMAtKvpCp
The milk coolers, distributed to various cooperative societies and community-based organizations in the county, are expected to improve milk preservation and quality, enabling farmers to sell their produce at better prices.
Boost for Breeding and Productivity
The CS also launched an Artificial Insemination (AI) Centre in Embu County, aimed at enhancing livestock productivity nationwide. He announced that the Ministry has slashed the price of sexed semen, used for breeding high-yield dairy cows, from KSh 8,000 to KSh 1,000 to make it more affordable for farmers.
“We have reduced the price of sexed semen to ensure that every farmer can access high-quality breeds capable of producing more milk,” Kagwe noted. “With better breeds, farmers will not only improve their productivity but also increase their incomes. I encourage all farmers to embrace artificial insemination using the improved semen to secure a more profitable future.”
Unity Through Agriculture
Kagwe cautioned political leaders against dividing farmers along regional lines, emphasizing that agriculture should remain a unifying factor for all Kenyans.
Follow Politricks Trends: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMAtKcELC
“Agriculture is a symbol of unity for every Kenyan,” he said. “Let us not politicize agricultural prices or turn farmers into political pawns. Challenges in the tea, coffee, and dairy sectors are technical, not political. They require sound policy, data-driven decisions, and a focus on quality improvement. Good prices will always follow good quality.”
Government’s Commitment to Farmers
Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jonathan Mweke, who accompanied the CS, echoed his sentiments, saying the initiative aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“The government is committed to ensuring that every farmer benefits from their hard work,” Mweke said. “These milk coolers will help farmers avoid losses caused by milk spoilage and ensure that every litre counts toward income generation. I urge dairy farmers to take advantage of the reduced cost of sexed semen and join the national breed improvement program for better results.”
County Government’s Support
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire commended the Ministry’s efforts, saying the initiative complements her county’s ongoing agricultural reforms. She pledged to allocate KSh 12.8 million in the next financial year to procure sexed semen for local farmers.
“The dairy sector is a key economic driver and a vital source of livelihood for our people,” Mbarire said. “We are implementing targeted interventions that promote efficiency and sustainability in dairy farming. Through this collaboration with the national government, Embu farmers will soon enjoy improved productivity and profitability.”
She further urged residents to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza Government, noting that the county had benefited greatly from its development programs in agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.
Call for Value Addition
Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba called on the government to consider setting up a milk processing plant in Embu County, saying it would significantly enhance value addition and create employment opportunities.
“If Embu had its own milk processing factory, farmers would benefit even more through better prices and market access,” Karemba said. “I will lobby in Parliament for the government to allow Embu County to own the new KICC plant in Embu so that we can channel it towards dairy processing.”
Farmers to Reap Big
Kenya Dairy Board Chairman Genesio Mugo lauded the initiative, saying it marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to transform the dairy industry.
“These investments are a game changer,” Mugo said. “They will help farmers cut down on post-harvest losses, improve milk quality, and access larger markets. With proper management, the dairy sector in Embu can become a model for the rest of the country.”
You Also Missed: https://safinews.co.ke/states-progressive-failure-to-land-injustices-in-coastal-region/
The beneficiaries of the milk coolers include cooperatives and CBOs from Kiangondi, Kathande, Ciandakika (Gaturi North), Kanja Dairy, Wang’ombe, Mbui Njeru (Kagaari North), Kawanjara (Kagaari South), Muminjuki (Ruguru Ngandori), Kiaga (Mbeere North), Kibugu, Tegemeo, Kamavindi (Nginda Ward), and Tumaini (Kithimu Ward).
Other leaders present at the event included MCAs Hon. Mwariama, Hon. Mary Kavinda, Hon. Muturi Mwombo, Hon. Paul Muchangi, and Hon. Maurice Macharia, alongside hundreds of enthusiastic dairy farmers who turned up to celebrate what they termed a “new dawn” for the Embu dairy sector.