Dairy farmers in Meru County are set to benefit from increased productivity following the launch of a new animal feed mill in Mitunguu, South Imenti constituency. The facility, owned by the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union, has already started producing animal feeds aimed at reducing costs for farmers.
The project, initially funded with Sh200 million by the cooperative, received a Sh100 million government boost in 2023 after President William Ruto pledged support. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who commissioned the mill on July 25, 2026, confirmed an additional Sh100 million will be allocated for the second phase of development.
Kindiki highlighted that the mill will enable dairy farmers in Meru and neighbouring counties to access quality feed at a subsidised price of Sh2,800 per 50kg sack, down from Sh3,200. This initiative is expected to help farmers increase milk yields and profitability.
At the Meru Showground during the 11th annual dairy farmers field day, Kindiki also announced government subsidies on sexed semen, reducing its cost from Sh7,000 to Sh1,400 to further improve dairy genetics. Additionally, the farmgate milk price will rise to Sh52 per litre starting August 1, providing greater returns to producers.
Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union CEO Kenneth Gitonga reported significant growth since 2023, with membership expanding from 11,012 to 161,874 farmers. Milk intake has surged from 287,000 litres to 670,000 litres, while the number of societies increased from 139 to 168. Annual sales have more than doubled, rising from Sh9.3 billion in 2023 to an estimated Sh25 billion this year.
Gitonga described the mill's capacity to produce feed for cows, pigs, and chickens, and outlined plans for phase two and three expansions, including a second processing line and storage facilities to meet rising demand across Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe pledged to enhance availability of sexed semen to boost dairy production, while Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized ongoing efforts to reform the cooperative sector through new legislation aimed at addressing mismanagement challenges.
