Government Initiatives to Boost Dairy Production in Meru County
The Kenyan government has taken a significant step towards enhancing dairy production in Meru County by delivering an initial batch of 1,000 subsidised sexed semen doses to the Meru Dairy Cooperative Union. This initiative aims to improve milk output and support farmers in their efforts to increase productivity.
Farmers will now have access to sexed semen at a reduced cost of Sh1,400 per dose, down from the original price of Sh7,000. This move is expected to make advanced breeding technologies more accessible to local farmers, who had previously faced challenges due to high costs that limited their ability to upgrade the quality of their dairy breeds.
The Meru Dairy Cooperative Union serves as an umbrella organisation for 104 dairy cooperative societies, collectively supporting thousands of farmers in the region. The initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s commitment to lowering the prices of sexed semen, which he highlighted during the co-operative union’s 10th farmers’ field day earlier this year.
Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia praised the initiative, calling it a “game changer” for farmers and the broader dairy value chain. He stated that the move would revolutionise livestock breeding and provide much-needed support to dairy farmers. The Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) plans to distribute 100,000 doses of sexed semen annually, aiming to drive advancements in animal genetics and boost milk yields.
Enhancing Productivity Through Technology
In addition to the distribution of sexed semen, the governor stressed the importance of involving youth in dairy farming to ensure long-term sustainability and create employment opportunities. Livestock farming plays a crucial role in driving rural economies and contributing to the national economy. It remains a vital source of income for many farmers in the region.
The county has also received 15,000 doses of livestock vaccines, with vaccination efforts already underway. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to safeguard the health of animals and, by extension, the livelihoods of farmers. The government has also provided 29 milk coolers to local dairy cooperatives, further strengthening the collective efforts of stakeholders to boost the sector.
Governor M’Ethingia expressed the county’s commitment to collaborating with the national government to foster knowledge sharing and drive agricultural transformation. He highlighted the significance of agriculture as both a heritage and an economic backbone, creating opportunities across the value chain from farm to factory.
Addressing Sector Challenges
The governor acknowledged the challenges faced by the dairy sector, including the high cost of animal feeds, which can significantly impact productivity. He commended the President for establishing a Sh100 million livestock feeds factory in 2023, which has improved access to quality feed for farmers.
M’Ethingia also noted that the President had pledged an additional Sh100 million this year to enhance the operations of the factory. Such initiatives directly address key challenges in the sector and support the long-term development of the dairy industry in Meru.
Increasing Milk Production
Meru Dairy Cooperative Union has made remarkable progress in increasing milk production over the past few years. The daily output rose from 406,000 litres in 2023 to 506,000 litres in 2024 and reached 620,000 litres this year. This upward trend reflects the positive impact of government interventions and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the dairy sector.
With continued investment and support, Meru County is well-positioned to maintain its momentum and further strengthen its dairy industry. The combination of advanced breeding technologies, improved feed access, and strategic partnerships is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and increased productivity in the region.
