The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced plans to distribute over 230 milk coolers to 41 counties starting in January 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the loss of milk, a highly perishable product, and benefit farmers and milk cooperatives across these regions.
Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, stated that the 230 coolers are currently being manufactured. They will be allocated to major milk-procuring counties, providing a significant boost to the dairy sector. Mueke explained that the coolers come in various sizes—1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 litres—which will help farmers reduce milk loss and increase their income.
He highlighted that of the 5.2 billion litres of milk produced annually in Kenya, around 811 million litres are formally marketed through processors. The coolers project is expected to add another 400 million litres of processed milk, marking a 50% increase.
In collaboration with County Governments, 544 milk cooler sites have been identified, with 427 sites in 40 counties verified and 285 ready for installation. Mueke added that the State Department is also running several programmes aimed at commercializing the livestock sector and boosting the production of meat, milk, honey, eggs, and leather.
Regarding leather, Mueke mentioned that the Kenya Leather Industrial Park in Kenanie, set to be completed by May 2025, will become Kenya’s leather district. This development aims to attract international luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel to manufacture in Kenya, leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to offer tax incentives.
The PS noted that an expression of interest has drawn 34 global investors keen to set up leather factories in Kenya. The government’s investment in the Kenya Leather Industrial Park is expected to enhance footwear production to 36 million pairs annually, create tens of thousands of jobs, and increase revenue from Sh15 billion to Sh120 billion by 2027.
Additionally, Mueke announced a livestock restocking project, beginning in January 2025, targeting drought and flood-affected regions. The Ministry has allocated Sh1 billion for this project, which will distribute 55,000 sheep and goats to benefit 10,000 households in 16 counties.
On the National Vaccination Programme, Mueke clarified that the exercise is a food safety measure, unrelated to external influences such as Bill Gates, and that vaccines will be produced locally by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI). He emphasized that the vaccination programme is also crucial for trade purposes, ensuring quality livestock products for international markets.
Mueke praised President William Ruto’s efforts in opening up new markets, noting that Kenya has secured access to 27 European countries through the Economic Partnership Agreement, the American market via the Strategic Partnership and Investment Programme, and the UAE market through the Comprehensive Economic Trade Partnership. These agreements cover nearly one-third of the world’s GDP, requiring Kenya to maintain high-quality food standards to meet international demands.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s initiatives reflect a strategic push towards enhancing Kenya’s agricultural productivity, food safety, and international trade capabilities.
