Kenya Pushes for Higher Milk Output and Local Processing in Tharaka Nithi

Government targets higher milk supply

Kenya’s government is urging dairy farmers in Tharaka Nithi County to increase milk production as it seeks to expand processing and value addition. The county currently produces about 57 million litres annually, according to DairyNews.today. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said farmers, the county administration and national authorities must coordinate their efforts to raise volumes and reduce dairy production costs.

Increasing the supply of raw milk is the immediate priority because local processors need reliable volumes before they can expand operations. The government also intends to work with the Tharaka Nithi County Government to increase the number of productive dairy animals. The programme links herd expansion with improved husbandry, animal health services and infrastructure rather than treating livestock numbers as the only measure of growth.

Breeding and feed costs shape farm economics

Authorities are promoting higher-yielding breeds and modern breeding techniques, including greater access to sexed semen. Conventional semen costs about Sh7,000, while sexed semen costs approximately Sh9,000. Government support is intended to make the more expensive option accessible to farmers and improve herd quality and productivity over time. However, Kagwe said breeding gains must be supported by better feeding and animal management.

Feed remains a central determinant of profitability because its price directly affects the cost of producing milk. To expand supplies of yellow maize, an ingredient used in livestock feed, the government is making large public farms available for cultivation and allowing duty-free imports. This approach combines domestic production with external supply to ease a feed constraint that could otherwise limit the benefits of improved genetics. Kagwe also identified zero-grazing as a way to increase output through more controlled feeding, breeding and husbandry.

Cooling and processing move up the agenda

More agricultural extension and veterinary officers are expected to advise farmers on breeding, nutrition, animal health and dairy management. The broader programme includes measures to lower production costs, improve cooling capacity and attract investment in processing and other forms of value addition. These services will be important if smaller farms are to adopt new breeding technologies without compromising herd health or feeding standards.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said the county had received eight milk coolers: six from the national government and two from the county administration. The equipment is intended to preserve milk after collection and reduce losses before delivery to processors. Local representatives are also seeking renewed investment in dairy factories. Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki said farmers were ready to adopt value addition and asked the government to restore milk factories and supply processing equipment. Expanding local capacity would give the county an alternative to concentrating sales in raw milk, but plants will depend on consistent supply, effective collection and competitive operating costs.