Dairy farmers in Meru County are poised for a major boost in productivity and profitability following the commissioning of machinery for the Sh200 million Meru Dairy Maziwa Millers feed factory in Mitunguu, South Imenti.
Once operational, the feed milling plant is expected to significantly lower the cost of animal feeds while improving quality, addressing one of the biggest challenges facing dairy farmers—high production costs. Leaders say the facility will enhance milk yields, improve animal health and increase farmer incomes across the region.
The consignment of machinery was unveiled during an official handover ceremony attended by county and national government officials, cooperative leaders and farmers. Speakers at the event praised the Meru Dairy Cooperative Union for prudent financial management and effective use of farmers’ resources.
The multimillion-shilling factory, which will be developed in four phases, is projected to reduce the cost of a 70kg bag of dairy meal by Sh500. Once production begins later this year, farmers are expected to pay about Sh2,500 per bag, down from the current Sh3,000.
Meru Dairy Cooperative Union CEO Kenneth Gitonga (in glasses) accompanied by PSs Kiburi Kilemi, Gitonga Mugambi and other leaders at the milling plant’s site
At full initial capacity, the Meru Maziwa feed mill will produce up to 12,000 tonnes of feed per month.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome described the project as a major milestone for the county’s dairy sector, noting that Meru Dairy has grown into one of the largest milk producers in East and Central Africa.
“We congratulate the CEO and the board for this project. Precision feeding will ensure farmers get the best returns. Meru Dairy has taken the county to the next level and we will support this initiative in every way possible,” Ms Kiome said.
She added that the county government, under Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, has been supporting farmers through the supply of maize seeds, which will serve as a key raw material for feed production. Plans are also underway to distribute cotton and sunflower seeds to diversify inputs and ensure the factory operates at full capacity.
“This initiative will address high feed costs, enhance quality feed production and diversify farmers’ income streams. We urge farmers to take the lead as primary producers of raw materials,” she said.
Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Gitonga attributed the progress to sound financial management and continued support from successive governments, saying farmers were already benefiting from strategic investments.
“Our focus is improving milk production and ensuring farmers benefit. We will continue working with the government of the day to grow the dairy sector,” Mr Gitonga said.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Meru Branch Manager Lawrence Musyoka said the lender supported the project after extensive consultations, noting that expensive feeds had been a major drain on farmers’ earnings.
“When Mr Gitonga approached us for financing, the issue of high feed costs stood out. We believe this partnership will continue until the factory is fully operational,” Musyoka said.
Mitunguu MCA Evans Mawira said the project received Sh100 million in support from the national government, describing the factory as a fulfilment of promises made by President William Ruto.
“Farmers doubted at first, but today the dream is real. This factory will change lives,” Mawira said, adding that Meru stands to benefit further from ongoing government development programmes.
South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti’s representative, Henry Muriungi, said the facility would significantly reduce production costs and raise farmers’ earnings.
“With the arrival of the machines and additional milk coolers, the President’s promises are now being realised,” Muriungi said.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma dismissed claims of mismanagement of farmers’ funds, saying the completed facility demonstrated accountability and transparency.
“Those spreading propaganda should be ashamed. This factory will transform the local economy. Farmers should now plant enough raw materials to support feed production,” Ouma said.
Officials from the State Department for Cooperatives, led by Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, and other senior government representatives also attended the event. PS Kilemi said dairy farming remained a key source of pride and identity for Meru County and the wider Mt Kenya region.
