Farmers urged to embrace dairy farming to enhance food security
KERICHO, July 15, 2025 –– Farmers in Kenya’s Kericho County have been encouraged to embrace dairy farming as a sustainable means of increasing milk production, boosting household incomes, and strengthening food security in the region.
The call was made during the official launch of a new milk outlet by the Kabianga Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited [KFCS] in Kericho Town, an initiative aimed at improving market access and strengthening the local dairy value chain.
Speaking at the event days ago, the Kericho County Executive Committee Member [CECM] for Trade, Industrialisation, Tourism, and Wildlife, John Cheruiyot, reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to supporting farmers through training, improved infrastructure, and access to markets.
“Dairy farming presents a significant opportunity for smallholder farmers to achieve economic stability while contributing to food security,” Cheruiyot said.
“I encourage our farmers to join cooperative societies like KFCS to benefit from collective bargaining power and essential services such as access to quality animal feeds, veterinary care, and milk cooling facilities.”
Cheruiyot added that the county is actively pursuing partnerships to empower local farmers and promote value addition across the agricultural sector.
Also in attendance was Mike Koros, Chairperson of KFCS, who expressed gratitude to the Kericho County Government for its consistent support.
He noted that the provision of vital equipment, including milk coolers, sexed semen, a tractor for transporting silage, and grass choppers, has significantly improved the society’s productivity and operational efficiency.
“Our co-operative currently has over 6,000 registered members and collects approximately 15,000 litres of milk daily from farmers across the region,” Koros stated.
He announced that the newly launched outlet in Kericho Town becomes the sixth branch under the co-operative, a development driven by the growing demand for processed dairy products in the county.
“We offer certified dairy products including fresh milk, fermented milk, and a variety of yoghurt flavours. All our products are approved by the Kenya Dairy Board, ensuring they meet the highest safety and quality standards,” said Koros.
“We have invested in well-trained staff and also equip our farmers with knowledge on proper animal husbandry to ensure maximum productivity.”
Franklin Kipkirui, Manager of Kabianga Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, highlighted that the society also provides agro-veterinary services and Artificial Insemination [AI] to improve livestock genetics among member farms.
Kipkirui further revealed that the cooperative facilitates access to financial services, including loans and cash advances, through partnerships with financial institutions, enabling farmers to invest in and expand their dairy enterprises.
https://thecooperator.news/embrace-dairy-farming-town-council-boss-urges-residents/
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