By Obegi Malack
In a move aimed at increasing milk production, the National Government has procured 350 coolers with a capacity to store 3,000 liters which are to be distributed to dairy farmers in milk producing counties. There are also plans to provide free milk to children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
Speaking during the opening of Euro Dairy Equipment Limited in Nkoroi, Kajiado North Sub-county,Julius Kiptarus, the director of Livestock Production said the intervention will minimize wastage and boost dairy farming.
“Farmers will be trained on modern farming to increase milk production in the country,” he said.
Kenya Dairy Board Managing Director, Margaret Kibogy said farmers should embrace technology to increase milk production.
“She said the board will continue partnering with private sector in ensuring there is availability of modern equipment; the Government will also start giving free milk to children in ECD centres in Kajiado County and other counties,” she said.
Kajiado County Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho who attended the event said the County Government will work with private dairy farmers in ensuring there is more milk production in the country.
“The county is also ready to learn from other countries modern methods of farming,” he said.
Former South Mugirango Member of Parliament, who partnered with Netherlands to open the Euro Dairy Equipment Limited, operates a dairy farm in Nkoroi with 65 cows on one-acre piece of land. The dairy produces more than 500 litres of milk daily from 24 cows.
He said technology has played a role in boosting his earnings, adding that he had imported milking machines and cooling tanks from Netherlands which have helped to improve efficiency, hygiene and reduced milking time besides cutting labour costs.
He said that the imported Netherlands machines which will be sold in Euro Dairy will help in maintaining top hygiene standards and do not interfere with the hormones that trigger milk flow.
He called on hundreds of farmers who attended the event, some from as far as Laikipia to boost milk yields by giving cows the right feed containing mineral supplements and also challenged Government to act on contaminated milk sold to unsuspecting consumers.
The event was attended by former nominated Senator Zipporah Kittony,Makueni County Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Jamii Telecom director Joshua Chepkwony among other dignitaries.