By:Wanjiru Kinyua
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a fresh government push to support dairy farmers as he flagged off nine milk coolers destined for cooperative societies across Kiambu County.
Speaking in Limuru on Friday, October 2, 2026, Kindiki said the equipment was part of the government’s efforts to reduce milk wastage, improve preservation and increase earnings for farmers.
The nine coolers are expected to serve dairy cooperatives in areas including Kikuyu, Limuru, Gatundu North, Kiambaa and Githunguri.
Kindiki said the government had distributed 227 milk coolers across the country, with Kiambu receiving 13 units at a reported cost of KSh98.14 million. According to government figures cited during the event, more than 21,500 dairy farmers in Kiambu are expected to benefit, while an estimated 15.7 million litres of milk could be saved from wastage annually.
“The best way to increase earnings for milk farmers is to ensure there are no losses from waste,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President said the dairy interventions were part of the government’s broader programme to raise agricultural incomes, arguing that farmers needed support not only to produce more milk but also to preserve, process and access markets for their produce.
He also cited the government’s reduction of cattle semen prices from KSh8,000 to KSh1,400 per dose, saying the move was intended to make artificial insemination more accessible and help farmers improve their dairy herds.
Kindiki further pointed to the reduction of subsidised fertiliser prices as another measure targeting farmers. The price of a 50-kilogramme bag was reduced from KSh2,500 to KSh2,000 from September, following an announcement by President William Ruto in August.
Kindiki said Kenya had increased milk production from 4.6 billion litres to 5.3 billion litres and described the country as Africa’s largest producer of processed milk.
He also said the government had supported Limuru Dairy with milk-processing equipment worth KSh170 million, linking the investment to efforts to expand value addition in the dairy sector.
The Deputy President announced that the distribution of milk coolers would continue, saying another round would begin in February in areas where dairy farmers still require equipment.
“I have listened to the farmers, and they have said that although the coolers we have provided are good, they need more,” he said.
Kindiki also used the Limuru meeting to highlight ongoing infrastructure projects in Kiambu, including roads, modern markets and affordable housing.
He said 29 modern markets were being constructed across the county, including projects in Limuru, Ngecha, Kabete, Kikambura, Ruiru, Thika, Kiambaa, Gatundu North and Gatundu South.
According to figures presented by the Deputy President, the combined programme covering modern markets, affordable housing and hostels is expected to cost KSh52 billion in Kiambu County.
He also cited the ongoing expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit road and the planned dual carriageway between Muthaiga Roundabout and Kiambu Town as projects expected to improve transportation and trade.
Several local roads, including the Kamirithu Village Road and Kwasumari–Ruamburi road, were also cited among projects either ongoing or completed.
The Deputy President further used the event to address political divisions in the Mount Kenya region, insisting that the community should remain united.
He said the region had remained united through the leadership eras of former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta and should maintain the same approach going forward.
“We are one community. We fought for the independence of Kenya together, and we will continue to remain one community,” Kindiki said.
His remarks come days after he said elders from different communities in the Mount Kenya region had given him responsibilities that included promoting unity and avoiding personal attacks against political leaders.
Kindiki said the elders had also asked him to help address the sale of harmful alcoholic substances blamed for deaths and health problems in parts of the region.
‘Your days are numbered’
The Deputy President subsequently issued a strong warning to manufacturers and sellers of illicit and harmful alcoholic drinks, saying the government would intensify inspections and enforcement.
He said manufacturers would have their premises inspected to establish whether they comply with quality and public health requirements before their products reach consumers.
“Those selling illicit alcohol, your days are numbered. We are coming for you,” Kindiki warned.
He said the government would not allow people to disguise harmful substances as alcoholic drinks and endanger the lives of Kenyans.
Kindiki cited recent deaths reported in Kiambu and Kirinyaga as part of the concerns surrounding harmful alcoholic products.
He further compared the planned crackdown with previous government efforts against terrorism and banditry, saying authorities would pursue those involved in manufacturing and distributing poisonous substances.
The warning places the fight against harmful alcohol alongside the government’s broader public health and security interventions, with Kindiki saying enforcement would target both manufacturers and distributors.