President William Ruto has announced a major intervention aimed at revitalizing Kenya’s dairy sector by reducing the cost of sexed semen from Sh4,000 to Sh1,000. The announcement was made during the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day hosted by the Meru Dairy Cooperative Union at Gitoro ASK Showground.
Effective from July 1, 2025, the reduced cost of sexed semen is expected to significantly benefit dairy farmers by enhancing breeding outcomes. Sexed semen enables farmers to predetermine the gender of calves, helping them to increase the number of female calves, which are essential for milk production.
“I don’t want to hear that farmers are being overcharged. Let’s maintain the price so as to support our farmers,” said President Ruto. He urged dairy farmers to embrace this technology as a way to increase productivity and ensure predictable returns.
In addition to the semen cost reduction, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing the cost of animal feeds. He announced that a government-backed animal feed manufacturing plant will be operational by the end of the year, aiming to make quality feeds more affordable.
To minimize post-harvest milk losses and improve storage infrastructure, Ruto revealed that 230 milk coolers have been procured. Meru Dairy has already received 15 of these coolers, while Tharaka Nithi has received 13. Additional units are being distributed to Embu, Kirinyaga, and other counties.
During the event, Meru Dairy Cooperative Union CEO Kenneth Gitonga launched a new online platform to help farmers sell their livestock at fair market prices. The platform is designed to eliminate middlemen and ensure farmers receive value for their animals.
“For a long time, farmers have been forced to sell their cows at throwaway prices. This platform will improve visibility and pricing transparency,” Gitonga said.
The cooperative is also investing in digital tools to enhance milk collection, payment systems, and access to veterinary services.
Farmers welcomed the announcements, expressing optimism that the initiatives will enhance profitability and reduce exploitation in the dairy sector.
