By KPC Reporter
Kisii County has launched a school milk programme and announced plans to build a milk processing factory to boost dairy farming, child nutrition and the local economy.
Speaking during the launch of milk distribution to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners, Governor Paul Simba Arati said the county has begun supplying schools with solar-powered systems and coolers to enable safe milk storage and prevent spoilage.
“We have started distributing solar systems and coolers to our schools so that milk can be preserved for longer without distortion,” Arati said.
The governor revealed that construction of a county milk processing factory is already underway and is expected to be completed within six months, following assurances from the contractor.
“I have engaged the contractor, and he has assured me that in six months our milk processing factory will be complete,” he said.
According to Arati, the facility will serve multiple dairy cooperatives across the county by providing a reliable processing structure and a stable market for farmers’ produce.
“By moving from simply producing milk to processing high-value dairy products, we are creating an advanced local value chain that will generate jobs, stimulate local businesses and put millions of shillings into the pockets of our people,” he said.
The governor described the initiative as a practical model of economic empowerment aligned with the national government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“This is the true meaning of economic liberation for our people in the livestock sector. This is where I agree with President William Ruto on bottom-up economic empowerment—laying the foundations from the grassroots,” Arati said.
He added that the project would also enhance climate resilience by supporting local production systems and promoting climate-smart agriculture.
To ensure continuity of the school milk programme before the factory becomes operational, Arati said the county has partnered with the Kenya Cooperative Creameries, which will supply milk for six months.
“Even as our factory is under construction, KCC will be our partner. I want to clarify that the milk being distributed is not from China, as some had claimed. This milk is from KCC, and we are proud to brand it as ‘Etaya’,” he said.
The governor further announced that the Kenya Red Cross would support the school feeding programme by channelling assistance directly to schools.
On education infrastructure, Arati said the county is investing in modern ECDE classrooms equipped with solar power, televisions, learning materials, mattresses and music systems to enhance early childhood learning.
“These smart classrooms will help stimulate children’s brains. They will learn, rest and receive nutritious milk, giving them a strong foundation for growth,” he said.
Arati expressed optimism that the initiative would revive interest in dairy farming among local farmers who had abandoned the sector due to unreliable markets.
“This is an encouragement to our farmers. Once the factory is operational, milk production will increase because farmers will be assured of a ready market,” he said.
The programme currently targets PP1 and PP2 learners, with plans to expand milk supply to learners from Grade One to Grade Nine in the future.
“I look forward to the day I will convince the Controller of Budget that Kisii County can supply milk to learners from Grade One to Grade Nine. For now, our PP1 and PP2 pupils will enjoy this precious commodity,” Arati said.