By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, January 19 2026 -Tharaka Nithi County has recorded impressive growth in milk production, reflecting the impact of deliberate investments in livestock farming and growing enthusiasm among dairy farmers.
Latest county statistics indicate that milk output increased from 128 million litres in 2023 to 134 million litres in 2024, an additional six million litres within one year.
Officials say the rise is the result of focused programmes in breed improvement, pasture development, farmer training and enhanced veterinary services.
Governor Muthomi Njuki said the county government has deliberately placed livestock at the centre of its agricultural transformation agenda.
“Our focus is to strengthen livestock farming so that it remains productive, sustainable and profitable for our farmers,” Governor Njuki said, noting that the sector offers a reliable pathway to economic stability for rural households.
Livestock production remains a major economic activity in the county, providing food security, income and employment. Beyond economics, the sector supports environmental conservation and longstanding cultural practices.
County officials say integrated farming systems are helping farmers conserve biodiversity, make efficient use of farm by-products and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
“With climate change threatening traditional crop farming, we have prioritized livestock as a key pillar of economic diversification and resilience,” Governor Njuki said.
A flagship initiative of the county government has been the promotion of artificial insemination (AI) to improve dairy breeds.
Farmers have also been trained on pasture management, animal selection and proper post-harvest milk handling.
“These interventions have directly contributed to better quality animals, higher milk yields and increased incomes for our farmers,” the Governor said.
Pasture development programmes have equally expanded. Land under improved pasture grew by 25 per cent, from 60 acres in 2024 to 80 acres in 2025.
The county plans to increase this to over 100 acres in order to guarantee steady fodder supply.
“We are investing in pasture so that our farmers are not left vulnerable during dry seasons,” Njuki added.
More than 10,000 farmers have so far received training on modern livestock production, value addition and participation in organized value chains.
To address post-harvest challenges, the county plans to support over 30 farmer cooperatives and dairy groups through installation of milk cooling plants of various capacities.
“These facilities will help reduce losses and ensure farmers access better and more stable markets,” said a statement from the county Department of Agriculture.
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Veterinary services have been identified as the backbone of the livestock transformation strategy.
Guided by the One Health approach, the county has intensified disease control and animal welfare programmes.
Since the launch of the AI programme in 2019, over 53,000 inseminations have been conducted across the county.
“We remain committed to improving AI services through timely insemination and consistent supply of quality semen,” Governor Njuki said during a meeting at Kathwana.
The county has also carried out an aggressive vaccination campaign, immunizing more than 500,000 animals against diseases such as Anthrax, Black Quarter, Lumpy Skin Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, Sheep and Goat Pox, Contagious Caprine Disease and Rabies.
To strengthen service delivery, 25 private Animal Health Assistants and nine veterinary surgeons have been engaged to implement an e-voucher vaccination programme for Foot and Mouth Disease under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
In addition, 16 meat inspectors have been recruited to ensure public health safety.
Over the last seven years, more than 400,000 carcasses have been inspected in slaughter facilities across the county.
Looking beyond dairy, the county government is exploring new markets and opportunities for livestock farmers.
“We are positioning Tharaka Nithi to tap into the growing demand for Halal meat in the Arab market,” Governor Njuki said.
The devolved administration has also introduced a County Livestock Insurance Initiative under the DRIVE Project to cushion farmers against drought and disease-related losses.
So far, more than 10,000 farmers have insured their animals and received advance bonuses amounting to about Sh100 million.
“This programme will protect farmers and give them confidence to invest more in livestock production,” Njuki said, adding that registration remains ongoing.
With rising milk output and expanded farmer support programmes, Tharaka Nithi County is steadily cementing its place as a leading livestock producer and a model of rural economic transformation.
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