At least 600 farmers from Kakamega are set to get free dairy cows in the next one year, thanks to a partnership between their county government and sponsors from the Netherlands.

Smallholder farmers in Kakamega contribute 99 per cent of the milk produced in the county.

Inspiration

Kakamega County last year produced about 20m litres of milk, against a demand of 33m litres. Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said that it is this deficit that informed the drive to seek donors, who have also pledged to build a milk processing plant in the county at a cost of KSh7b.

“Equity Bank has also committed to giving us KSh2b that will be used in buying more dairy cows for farmers,” Oparanya said.

Distribution

The cows will be given to families in various subcounties, among them Mumias East, Butere and Khwisero on condition that they pass on the gift.

 “Under this programme, a farmer will be given an in-calf heifer and is obliged to pass the first female calf to another beneficiary selected by various committees and validated by the Ministry of Agriculture,” Oparanya said.