Kiambu dairy farmers demand quality feeds and sexed semen to lift milk yields
Key points
- Kiambu dairy farmers want national and county support for quality dairy feeds and sexed semen.
- Ministry dairy officer Joanne Atian’g admitted poor genetics and low-quality feeds are hurting producers.
- She said feed prices should ease after zero taxation on maize imports; industry organisation is underway.
- Kiambaa Dairy Co-op chair Peris Wanjiru said poor feed standards have stagnated milk output; coolers shortage forces long trips.
Milk money starts in the trough, not in the co-op minute book. Dairy farmers in Kiambu County have asked both levels of government for quality feeds and sexed semen to raise yields, KBC reported on 11 August 2026.
Ministry of Livestock dairy officer Joanne Atian’g, on a field visit, admitted farmers face poor genetics and low-quality feeds. She said the state is organising the industry and expects feed prices to ease after zero-rating of maize imports. Kiambaa Dairy Cooperative Society chairperson Peris Wanjiru said weak feed standards have long stagnated production and wants fast remedies. Dr Annette Sekempei flagged aflatoxin from poorly handled raw materials, urging farmers to seek better sector information. Dr Paul Mutugi, head of procurement and extension services, said too few coolers force farmers to travel far to keep milk quality — a logistics tax on every litre.
Zero-rated maize is not automatic cheap feed
Import tax relief only helps if millers pass savings on and KEBS-style enforcement kills aflatoxin bags. Sexed semen without feed reform just multiplies hungry heifers.
Agriculture desk: Agriculture. Verified names and policy points from KBC’s field report.
County should map cooler gaps ward by ward. Cooperatives should publish feed test results so rogue millers cannot hide.
Until quality is measurable at the bag and the can, Kiambu’s dairy potential stays a speech, not a litre curve.
Official gazettes, court rulings and agency circulars may update these facts after publication; readers should verify any deadline, fee or court date against primary sources before acting.
Kiambu’s co-ops should table a one-page cooler and feed-testing budget so county assembly debates shillings, not only field-day photos.
Based on KBC reporting. Feed prices and programme timelines can change with market and budget decisions.
