🐄 Meru Dairy Cooperative Launches Animal Feed Mill to Boost Milk Production
Kenya’s Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union has commissioned a new animal feed mill in Mitunguu, Meru County, aimed at reducing feed costs, improving dairy productivity, and strengthening farmer incomes. The facility marks a significant milestone in the cooperative’s expansion strategy and the government’s support for the dairy sector.
🏭 New Feed Mill Begins Operations
The animal feed mill, owned by the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union, has already started producing livestock feed. The project was initiated in 2023 after the cooperative invested Sh200 million, while the Kenyan government contributed Sh100 million, with an additional Sh100 million announced for the second phase of expansion.
🌾 Reducing Feed Costs for Dairy Farmers
According to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the feed mill will supply dairy meal at a subsidised price of Sh2,800 per 50kg bag, compared to the market price of Sh3,200, helping farmers reduce production costs and improve profitability.
🐄 Government Support for Dairy Growth
The government also announced continued support for dairy farmers through subsidised sexed semen, with prices reduced from Sh7,000 to Sh1,400. Additionally, from 1 August, milk producers will receive Sh52 per litre, up from Sh50, further boosting farmer earnings.
📈 Meru Dairy Cooperative Records Strong Growth
Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union has witnessed remarkable expansion over the past three years.
🔹 Dairy farmers increased from 11,012 in 2023 to 161,874
🔹 Daily milk intake rose from 287,000 litres to 670,000 litres
🔹 Cooperative societies expanded from 139 to 168
🔹 Annual sales increased from Sh9.3 billion to Sh20.1 billion, with projections of Sh25 billion this year
🚜 Future Expansion Plans
The cooperative plans to develop a second processing line during Phase Two and later construct silos and grain dryers to ensure adequate raw material storage. The expansion is expected to serve dairy farmers across Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, further strengthening Kenya’s dairy value chain.
