Kiambu Dairy Farmers Receive 5,000-Litre Milk Cooler Under Government Support Program

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke handed over a 5,000-litre Kiambu milk cooler to the Ndarugu Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society in Kiambu County, marking a significant milestone in the Dairy Value Chain Support Programme (DVCSP) Phase II. This initiative, benefiting 230 farmer cooperatives across 40 counties, aims to transform Kenya dairy farming by enhancing milk aggregation, quality, and market access. Mueke announced on X, “By investing in infrastructure like bulk milk coolers, the government is improving milk quality, aggregation, and market access,” underscoring the program’s economic impact.

Kenya’s dairy industry, a cornerstone of the agricultural sector, contributes 4% to the country’s GDP and sustains over 2 million livelihoods, with annual milk production reaching 4.6 billion litres. Kiambu County, producing 430 million litres yearly, leads as Kenya’s top dairy hub. The Kiambu milk cooler strengthens Ndarugu Co-op’s ability to handle larger volumes, reduce spoilage, and meet market standards, directly benefiting its 1,200 member farmers. Mueke emphasized the broader impact, stating, “These installations are more than just equipment; they serve as drivers of rural economic activity, value addition, and employment.”

Since its launch in 2017, the DVCSP has significantly expanded Kenya’s dairy infrastructure. Phase I (2017–2022) distributed 350 milk coolers across 38 counties, increasing cooperatives’ storage capacity and enabling farmers to fetch better prices, with milk fetching Ksh 45–50 per litre in 2025. Phase II scales up this effort, targeting 40 counties with coolers ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 litres. The Kiambu milk cooler, tailored to Ndarugu’s needs, supports the cooperative’s goal to supply high-quality milk to processors like Brookside Dairy, which pays premium rates for Grade A milk.

Kiambu’s dairy sector has seen prior investments, including a 1,000-litre-per-hour pasteurizer installed in 2021 and a 3,000-litre cooler for Lari Dairy Farmers Co-op in 2022. These efforts have boosted farmer incomes by 20% on average, according to the Kenya Dairy Board. The Ndarugu Kiambu milk cooler, handed over in the presence of local leaders like Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, builds on this legacy. Wamatangi noted, “This cooler will help our farmers compete in national and regional markets,” as reported by The Star (July 2, 2025.)

The Kiambu milk cooler aligns with national goals to modernize the dairy sector. The government’s investment, supported by the World Bank and NAVCDP, includes training for cooperative members to maintain equipment and ensure quality control. This focus on sustainability ensures long-term benefits, reducing losses from spoilage, which previously cost Kiambu farmers Ksh 100 million annually.

The initiative supports Kenya’s food security agenda, with dairy playing a critical role in nutrition. The Kiambu milk cooler enables Ndarugu Co-op to store milk longer, meeting the EU’s stringent quality and safety expectations for potential exports. Posts on X from July 1, 2025, praised the handover, with farmers like @KiambuDairyFan noting, “This cooler is a game-changer for our cooperative!” The program’s expansion to 40 counties signals more opportunities for farmers nationwide.

By strengthening cooperatives like Ndarugu, the Kiambu milk cooler drives economic growth, creates jobs, and enhances market access. This news underscores the government’s commitment to empowering Kiambu farmers and modernizing Kenya dairy farming for a prosperous 2025.