Nakuru, Kenya – October 29, 2024
Nakuru County has launched an initiative to improve dairy farmers’ market access by establishing office spaces in markets across the region. The project, spearheaded by the Nakuru County Dairy Cooperative Societies Union, aims to connect farmers directly with customers which is poised to boost sales.
Nakuru County Secretary, Dr Samuel Mwaura: Photo Courtesy
In a meeting today, Nakuru County Secretary, Dr Samuel Mwaura, along with officials from the Department of Agriculture, discussed the initiative. They reviewed priorities under the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID) and Market Access Infrastructure Development (MAID) programs. Both initiatives are part of the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which focuses on increasing agricultural productivity and improving market infrastructure.
“The establishment of these offices is a step in the right direction, but more support in marketing and branding will be crucial to ensure long-term success,” said Bernard Mwenje, the chairman of small-scale farmers in the county.
Mwenje noted that dairy farmers in Nakuru face intense competition from other regions, which makes it difficult to reach broader markets. He said, “Farmers need to differentiate their products and connect better with consumers to gain a competitive edge.”
According to Dr Mwaura, local dairy farmers sold 300 million litres of milk in the last financial year, earning Ksh 11.7 million. He urged farmers to invest in high-quality breeds and adopt artificial insemination (AI) services to improve genetic quality and enhance milk production.
“High-quality breeds are known for better milk output and disease resistance,” Dr Mwaura added. “AI services will further help farmers improve their herd genetics.”
The MAID program, which focuses on the dairy value chain, selects cooperatives based on criteria such as membership size, daily milk intake, and ownership of land. In addition, FLID investments will prioritize the construction of water pans and small-scale irrigation schemes to support agricultural productivity across the county.
The meeting brought together key officials, including County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Leonard Bor, Chief Officers Newton Mwaura, Martin Kagai, and Kibet Kurgat, as well as NAVCDP Coordinator Peter Githunguri and other agricultural officers.
This initiative aims to empower dairy farmers by giving them better access to markets and improved agricultural practices, which will pave the way for sustainable growth in the sector.
