By Diana Arodi
President William Ruto presided over the flagging off of modern milk coolers to dairy cooperatives in Meru County, as part of government efforts to support the rapidly growing dairy sector in Kenya.
The event took place during the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day in Meru, where Ruto was joined by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve agricultural productivity and empower rural farmers through access to modern technologies and infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the dairy industry into a reliable source of income for Kenyan households.
“We are determined to ensure every dairy farmer in Kenya benefits from their hard work. These milk coolers will reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of milk, making our products more competitive locally and internationally,” said President Ruto.
The new milk coolers, which will be distributed to various dairy cooperatives, are expected to help farmers store milk safely, reduce spoilage, and maintain freshness for longer periods, particularly in rural areas lacking refrigeration infrastructure.
Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the importance of value addition and cooperative strengthening in agricultural development.
“This initiative is not just about equipment—it’s about changing livelihoods. Our farmers deserve tools that can help them earn more from every drop of milk,” he stated.
Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke also lauded the progress of the dairy sector, noting that it had shown significant growth over the past year.
“The dairy industry contributes over 4% to Kenya’s GDP. With continued support, we can double that in the coming years,” said Mueke.
Farmers attending the event expressed optimism that the government’s efforts would lead to better prices and improved market access.
The flagging-off marks a milestone in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to uplift grassroots communities through targeted investments in key economic sectors like agriculture.