Kwale: Kwale County Government has distributed 30 hybrid dairy cows and 144 hardy gala goats to small-scale farmers to boost milk production and living standards in the coastal county. The devolved government, in collaboration with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, has initiated the dairy cattle stocking program for smallholder dairy farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the KEMFSED project, worth Sh.10 billion, is implemented by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries with support from the World Bank. The project, which runs from 2020 to 2025, is aimed at improving livelihood activities in the coastal communities of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu.
Each beneficiary of the program received a dairy cow, personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines and supplements, starter feed packs, grass seeds, and sexed semen to support breeding. Governor Fatuma Achani presided over the distribution exercise at Mafisini area of Msambweni Sub County, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on improving income and food security through enhanced milk production.
Governor Achani highlighted that the program is a progressive intervention to promote dairy farming and boost the rural economy. She noted that the county has been providing robust support to local farmers through various veterinary and agricultural extension services. The distribution of dairy cows and gala goats is seen as central to boosting local farmers’ milk income.
The Governor mentioned that the partnership with KEMFSED is a deliberate drive towards diversifying the economy, ensuring long-term food security, and adding value to the local dairy sector. Since the launch of the KEMFSED program, the county government has distributed over 100 dairy cows and more than 5200 dairy goats, benefiting numerous households across Kwale.
The introduction of high-yielding gala goats is expected to significantly improve household incomes through milk production, breeding, and eventual sale. Governor Achani emphasized that increasing the population of quality dairy cows will boost domestic milk production and reduce dependence on external dairy products.
Achani pointed out that the hybrid dairy cows have a higher milk-producing capacity of 12 liters per day compared to local varieties. Accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Roman Shera, she urged beneficiaries to maintain proper animal care to maximize benefits, noting that the project is designed to pass on benefits to other farmers.
The livestock distribution is part of a broader initiative to support smallholder farmers, increasing both animal production and household incomes in the coastal region. The department of agriculture and livestock development will closely monitor the livestock’s performance to ensure successful progression of the initiative.
Priscilla Kyulu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed optimism about increased milk production and personal income, stating that the project’s success will help overcome various challenges, especially meeting basic needs.