Machakos Dairy Cooperative Gets Sh10 Million Boost for Milk Processing

Dairy farmers in Mwala Sub-County have received new processing equipment after the Machakos County Government invested Sh10 million to support Masii Dairy Cooperative in adding value to milk and accessing wider markets.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti commissioned milk pasteurisation and packaging machines at the cooperative in Masii, saying the equipment would enable farmers to bulk, store, package and transport milk to markets outside the area.

The county also issued the cooperative an additional Sh370,000 cheque to support automation of its operations.

Wavinya said the investment would help reduce milk wastage while improving returns to farmers by allowing the cooperative to handle and market more of the milk produced by its members.

“My vision for the cooperative movement in Machakos is to make them grow and become independent,” she said, noting that farmers become stronger when they work together through cooperatives.

The governor said the county was applying a similar approach to other cooperatives, including those involved in coffee production.

The new processing capacity comes as dairy farmers continue to face challenges related to milk marketing, storage and post-production losses. By increasing the cooperative’s ability to process and package milk, farmers will have an opportunity to reach markets farther from their production areas.

In Wamunyu Ward, the county government also issued Sh819,000 to Wamunyu Cooperative Society to strengthen its operations.

Wavinya further pledged support for cooperative members interested in poultry and fish farming through the provision of chicks and fish fingerlings. The measures are intended to help households diversify their agricultural activities and income sources.

The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi during a development tour of Wamunyu, where she also launched a new Early Childhood Development Education classroom at Yathui Primary School.

She said the county had strengthened early learning through daily feeding programmes, the Maziwa ya Mama initiative, learning materials and child-friendly furniture.

According to the governor, the measures have contributed to an increase in ECDE enrolment in the county from about 32,000 learners to more than 42,000.

“Early childhood education is a commitment we continue to strengthen to give every child the right foundation,” Wavinya said.

The development tour also included the opening and grading of the Kaitha-Kambiti Road through Kambiti Primary School. The road will connect Kaitha Sublocation with neighbouring areas and improve access to schools, markets and health facilities.

Wavinya said investments in cooperatives, education and roads were intended to address residents’ needs while creating better conditions for economic activity.

“Development is most meaningful when it reaches every household,” she said.

Deputy Governor Mwangangi said the county administration would continue implementing projects based on priorities identified by residents.