Dairy farmers in Meru County are set to benefit from reduced production costs and improved milk yields following the commissioning of machinery for the Sh200million Meru Dairy Maziwa Millers Factory at Mitunguu in South Imenti.
Meru Dairy Cooperative Union CEO Kenneth Gitonga (in glasses) accompanied by PSs Kiburi Kilemi, Gitonga Mugambi and other leaders at the milling plant’s site
The feed milling plant is expected to address the long-standing challenge of high animal feed prices by producing affordable, high-quality dairy feeds, a move leaders say will boost productivity, improve animal health and increase farmers’ incomes.
The cosignment of machinery was unveiled during an official handover ceremony attended by county and national government officials, cooperative leaders and farmers, who praised the management of Meru Dairy Cooperative Union for prudent use of farmers’ funds.
The upcoming multimillion animal feed factory to cut the cost of a dairy meal by Sh500 per bag.
Meru Maziwa feed mill, which will be built in four phases, will start operation with a monthly capacity of 12, 000 tonnes.
Dairy farmers are expected to pay Sh2500 per bag, down from the current price of Sh3,000 once the factory starts production at the end of the year.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said the facility marked a major milestone for the dairy sector in the region, noting that Meru Dairy has grown into one of the largest milk producers in East and Central Africa.
“We congratulate the CEO and the board for this project. Precision feeding will ensure farmers get the best returns. Meru Dairy has taken the county to the next level and we will support this initiative in every way possible,” Ms Kiome said.
She added that the county government, under Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, has been supporting farmers by supplying maize seeds, which will form part of the raw materials for feed production. The county also plans to distribute cotton and sunflower seeds to enhance supply and ensure full utilisation of the factory.
“This initiative will help address high feed costs, enhance quality feed production and diversify farmers’ income streams. We urge farmers to take the lead as primary producers of raw materials,” she said.
Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Gitonga attributed the progress to sound financial management and support from successive governments, saying farmers were already reaping the benefits of strategic investments.
“Our focus is improving milk production and ensuring farmers benefit. We will continue working with the government of the day to grow the dairy sector,” Gitonga said.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Meru Branch Manager Lawrence Musyoka said the lender supported the project after thorough consultations, noting that farmers had been losing significant income due to high feed costs.
“When Gitonga approached us for financing, the issue of expensive feeds stood out. We believe this journey will continue until the factory becomes fully operational,” Musyoka said.
Mitunguu MCA Evans Mawira said the project was supported by Sh100 million from the national government, terming the factory a fulfilment of promises made by President William Ruto.
“Farmers doubted at first, but today the dream is real. This factory will change lives,” Mawira said, expressing confidence that Meru stands to gain more from ongoing government development programmes.
South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti’s representative, Henry Muriungi, said the milling plant would significantly lower production costs and increase farmers’ earnings.
“With the arrival of the machines and additional milk coolers, the President’s promises are now being realised,” Muriungi said.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma dismissed claims that farmers’ funds had been misused, saying the completed facility was proof of accountability.
“Those spreading propaganda should be ashamed. This factory will transform the local economy. Farmers should now plant enough raw materials to support feed production,” Ouma said.
State Department for Cooperatives officials, including Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, and other senior government representatives attended the event.
PS Kilemi said Mt Kenya dairy milk remained a source of pride and identity for Meru County.
