Solar-Powered Milk Coolers Give New Hope to Dairy Farmers in Tana River
Dairy farmers in Tana River County are set to benefit from reduced milk losses, improved market access, and increased incomes following the launch and distribution of two solar-powered bulk milk coolers under the Livestock Value Chain Support Project (LVCSP).
The coolers were officially launched at Hola Stadium by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the dairy value chain under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The initiative is expected to address long-standing challenges facing dairy farmers, particularly post-harvest milk losses caused by inadequate cold storage facilities and weak transportation networks in rural and pastoralist areas. Speaking during the launch, Dr. Dokota described the project as a transformative intervention that will not only preserve milk quality but also improve livelihoods for farmers and pastoralist communities across the region.
“Today’s launch is not just about commissioning milk coolers; it is about restoring dignity to our farmers, reducing losses, improving incomes, and building a resilient dairy economy that works for ordinary Kenyans,” said the Principal Secretary. According to Government projections, the two solar-powered milk coolers will enable farmers to aggregate up to 2,000 litres of milk daily valued at approximately KSh 98,000. The coolers are also expected to preserve nearly 730,000 litres of milk annually worth an estimated KSh 35.8 million.
For many dairy farmers in Tana River, milk spoilage has remained a major challenge due to the absence of reliable cooling infrastructure and delays in transporting milk to processing plants. Farmers have often been forced to sell milk at throwaway prices or incur losses when the milk goes bad before reaching the market.
The new cooling systems are expected to significantly reduce those losses by preserving milk for longer periods and improving the quality of milk delivered to processors. This will enable farmers to access better markets and benefit from quality-based payment systems where higher quality milk attracts premium prices.
Dr. Dokota said the Government was committed to modernizing the dairy sector through investments that support farmers, cooperatives, processors, and agribusiness enterprises. “Bulk milk coolers are not merely storage facilities. They are economic empowerment hubs capable of transforming milk into wealth, jobs, nutrition, industrial growth, and opportunity for our rural communities,” he said.
The Principal Secretary encouraged farmers to join cooperative societies to improve milk aggregation, bargaining power, and value addition opportunities. He noted that stronger cooperatives would help farmers secure better prices, improve productivity, and attract investment into the dairy sector.
He added that the improved cold chain infrastructure would also benefit milk processors by ensuring a more reliable supply of chilled, high-quality milk while reducing rejection rates and lowering collection costs. The project is further expected to stimulate value addition within the dairy industry through the production of yoghurt, cheese, butter, UHT milk, and other processed dairy products. Officials say this will enhance the competitiveness of Kenya’s dairy industry both locally and internationally.
The use of solar-powered milk coolers is also expected to reduce electricity costs while promoting environmentally sustainable dairy operations through the adoption of renewable energy. Dr. Dokota further highlighted the role of the initiative in creating employment opportunities for youth and women in milk collection, transportation, quality assurance, cold chain logistics, and equipment maintenance. “Our young people must see agriculture not as a last resort, but as a modern business opportunity capable of creating wealth, jobs, and innovation,” he said.
The PS noted that women, who play a critical role in dairy farming activities, stand to benefit significantly from improved incomes and reduced labour burdens associated with milk handling and transportation. He reiterated President William Ruto’s commitment to prioritizing productivity-driven investments aimed at improving livelihoods and accelerating economic empowerment across the country. “We must invest in projects that empower people economically, strengthen productivity, and create sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” Dr. Dokota emphasized.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted ongoing Government programmes including universal healthcare, affordable housing, MSME support, irrigation expansion, and last-mile connectivity as part of broader efforts to uplift livelihoods under the BETA agenda. Speaking during the event, Joseph Mwangi Wamuti urged residents affected by ongoing rains and flooding to move to safer grounds while encouraging farmers to adopt modern dairy farming practices and improved breeds to increase milk production and quality.
The launch ceremony brought together national and county government officials, dairy cooperatives, farmers, and development partners. Among those present were Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Kanchoru Golo and Deputy Sub County Administrator Sigal Dido alongside other government officials and stakeholders in the livestock sector.