Brookside Dairy supports peace initiatives, farmer empowerment

KENYA –  Brookside Dairy has reaffirmed its commitment to local peace initiatives crucial for milk collection activities in Pokot South region in Kenya. 

During a recent handover of products, Regional Manager Elijah Keter presented goods to Governor Simon Kachapin, NCIC Chair Rev. Samuel Kobia, and Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo, among other officials. 

This initiative comes in light of impressive financial outcomes for dairy farmers contracted by Brookside in Kenya’s North Rift region. 

The farmers have collectively earned KSh 918 million (approximately US$7.1 million) from raw milk sales, marking a 27% increase compared to 2022. 

The rise in income can be attributed to improved agronomic practices stemming from Brookside’s proactive farmer empowerment programs.

The company’s expanded processing capacity and extensive sales network have enabled them to procure 100% of the contracted milk volumes from farmers, even during peak production periods. 

Uasin Gishu County farmers led the earnings, receiving KSh 236 million, while those in West Pokot earned KSh 211 million.

At the University of Eldoret Agribusiness Trade Fair, Brookside’s Milk Procurement General Manager, Emmanuel Kabaki, praised the dedication of farmers for their consistent milk production and supply. 

“We appreciate the hard work of our farmers this year, which resulted in the consistent production and supply of raw milk,” he noted, expressing confidence in Kenyan dairy farmers’ ability to meet both domestic and export demands.

Kabaki also urged farmers to prepare for the upcoming dry season, expected from October 2024 to early 2025.

He stressed the importance of conserving adequate animal feed to maintain milk production levels throughout the year. 

To assist in this, Brookside has established fodder resource centers across Kenya, providing access to high-yielding Super Napier grass.

Additionally, the company is working closely with farmers to enhance dairy cow genetics by distributing semen straws and liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination programs. 

Earlier this year, Brookside announced plans to enhance its sustainability-linked investments in the dairy value chain by collaborating with farmers to improve safety and nutrition standards for its products. 

Kabaki emphasized the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies to promote sustainable milk production across the country.

Initiatives include implementing sustainable agronomic practices, such as agroforestry, and utilizing biogas as a clean energy source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are integrating sustainability principles across all our operations, from farms to points of sale,” Kabaki stated.

“This encompasses environmentally conscious land resource utilization, which is key to fostering a robust dairy enterprise that accelerates economic prosperity for our farmers.”

He also commended the government for its robust programs encouraging growth in the dairy subsector, indicating Brookside’s intention to partner with the Nakuru county government to fully commercialize dairy farming for improved economic outcomes. 

Moreover, the company is promoting solar energy adoption on farms to further reduce carbon footprints, contributing to a more sustainable future for the dairy industry in Kenya.

Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE