Kirinyaga dairy farmers launch yogurt production

KENYA – Dairy farmers in Kenya’s Kirinyaga County  have received a major boost with the launch of their first yogurt product, a milestone supported by the County Government through its Wezesha Empowerment Programme.

The Rung’eto Farmers’ Cooperative Society, equipped with state-of-the-art yogurt-making machinery, now has the capacity to produce up to 200 liters per hour, as reported by local officials.

During the unveiling of the brand, ‘Runto Yogurt,’ at the factory in Ngariama Ward, Jackline Njogu, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, highlighted the initiative’s significance.

According to Njogu, this production line is part of broader efforts by the Kirinyaga County Government to enhance dairy farmers’ earnings through value addition.

She noted that these efforts extend beyond yogurt production, encompassing subsidized artificial insemination (AI), provision of affordable animal feeds, and farmer training on livestock health.

“Through these initiatives, we have significantly increased milk production,” Njogu stated, explaining that farmers’ daily production has grown from 3,000 to 9,000 liters.

She emphasized that value addition, such as yogurt production, is crucial to maximizing returns from this output.

“Investing in yogurt production allows farmers to earn more from the same quantity of milk,” she added.

The County Government, through the Kirinyaga Investment and Development Authority (KIDA), plans to assist in marketing Runto Yogurt.

Njogu expressed confidence that the brand could become a household name, with plans already underway to diversify into pasteurized milk.

Dr. John Gachara, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries, echoed these sentiments, noting Kirinyaga’s vast dairy potential.

He attributed increased milk yields to improved breeds, thanks to subsidized AI programs and better access to quality feeds.

“Our goal is to raise average milk production from 7 liters per cow to 20 liters. Quality breeding is the key,” he explained.

Gachara encouraged farmers to leverage these interventions, stressing that expanding into value-added products like yogurt and pasteurized milk could revitalize the local economy.

Joyce Wanjiku, Chairlady of Rung’eto Cooperative, praised the County Government’s support.

“From milk coolers to yogurt-making equipment, these investments have transformed our cooperative. We now have a unique identity and better income prospects,” she remarked.

Farmers attending the launch shared their optimism. Tabitha Nyaga, a long-time member, reflected on the cooperative’s progress.

“With the factory nearby and the introduction of yogurt production, our profits will undoubtedly increase, translating to better pay,” she noted.