GATANGA, Murang’a County—Kenya’s dairy farmers are set to benefit from a new nationwide training programme aimed at reducing production losses linked to mastitis infections, poor dairy hygiene and declining milk quality, challenges that continue to undermine productivity and farmer earnings across the sector.
Sawa Milking Jelly, a product of Pwani Oil, has launched a farmer empowerment campaign that will reach more than 100 dairy farming centres across Bomet, Narok, Nyandarua and Murang’a counties between June and August this year.
The initiative, being implemented in partnership with animal nutrition firm AMA Energy, comes at a time when the dairy industry is grappling with rising production costs, animal health concerns and increasing demand for higher milk quality standards.
According to data from the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, subclinical mastitis—an infection that often shows no visible symptoms—affects more than half of dairy cows in Kenya, contributing significantly to reduced milk yields and economic losses among farmers.
Industry players say addressing such challenges is critical for a sector that supports millions of livelihoods and remains one of Kenya’s most important agricultural value chains.
Speaking during a farmer engagement forum in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Sawa Milking Jelly Brand Manager James Faraja said improving dairy hygiene and animal wellness would help farmers increase productivity while safeguarding livestock health.
“Kenya’s dairy farmers are at the centre of the country’s food systems and rural economy. Supporting them with practical knowledge, proper udder care education and animal wellness solutions is essential in improving milk quality and building more sustainable farming communities,” he said.
The programme will involve 105 mini farm activations and two regional intensive farm engagements, where farmers will receive training on mastitis prevention, milk hygiene, udder care and best milking practices.
Veterinary expert Job Munene said mastitis remains one of the leading causes of milk losses among smallholder dairy farmers in East Africa.
“The condition affects both milk quality and farmer incomes while also impacting animal welfare. Many of these losses can be prevented through improved milking hygiene, farmer awareness and preventative animal health practices,” he said.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen farmer engagement through community outreach activities and practical demonstrations designed to improve farm management practices.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that dairy farming supports more than 150 million households globally and remains a key contributor to food security, rural employment and economic growth.
As pressure mounts on Kenya’s dairy sector to increase efficiency and meet quality standards, industry stakeholders are increasingly turning to farmer education and animal health interventions as part of efforts to boost productivity and strengthen the country’s dairy value chain.
