Dairy farming in Makueni County is steadily turning into a success story, thanks to targeted programs aimed at transforming the sector into a key source of income and nutrition for local families.
During a recent dairy farmers’ field day at Makiou Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, it was highlighted that although dairy farming in Makueni County produces around 40 million litres of milk annually, demand still outpaces supply. This gap has driven the county government to act decisively.
Through its Dairy Development Strategy, Makueni has focused on four key pillars: improved breeds, better feed, disease management, and modern marketing systems. These efforts are reshaping dairy farming in Makueni County into a viable and sustainable industry.
Agriculture Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza shared that the Department of Agriculture is committed to building a strong dairy value chain that benefits farmers directly. One of the major initiatives is a subsidized Artificial Insemination (AI) program, which helps farmers access high-quality breeds at low cost. Additionally, the county has rolled out the Makueni Animal Feeds Development Strategy to ensure reliable access to quality feed throughout the year.
During the event, which was also attended by Makiou Cooperative Chairperson Paul Wasanga, Kiminza highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts in disease prevention. These include widespread vaccination campaigns and frequent farmer training sessions on best dairy practices—both of which aim to make dairy farming more sustainable and profitable.
Furthermore, the county is strengthening dairy cooperatives by equipping many of the 18 cooperatives with essential infrastructure. Items such as milk coolers, pasteurizers, transport trucks, electricity connections, and mini-processing units are helping farmers preserve milk quality, improve handling, and increase earnings.
Kikima and Kathonzweni Dairy Cooperatives are among the beneficiaries of these upgrades.
Strategic partnerships with global development organizations like the World Bank (through NAVCDP and DRIVE) and the FAO have also played a key role in enhancing feed security and commercializing dairy farming across Makueni.
This year’s field day theme, “Makueni is investing in its farmers, its children’s nutrition, and its future through dairy,” captures Governor Mutula’s commitment to ensuring food security, boosting household incomes, and promoting community empowerment through agro-industrial growth.
To close the event, the Chief Officer encouraged dairy farmers to participate in the Makueni Agricultural Show scheduled for early August to showcase their progress and innovations.