The Kenya Dairy Board and the International Livestock Research Institute have launched the MoreMilk 2 initiative to improve milk safety and quality in Kenya’s informal dairy sector.
The initiative aims to enhance milk safety, regulatory compliance and market access for small dairy businesses.
Dr Joshua Chepchieng, Secretary Administration State Department of Livestock Development, said the informal sector accounts for about 75 per cent of Kenya’s milk supply.
“Our long-term vision is to have a formalised dairy sector in Kenya that provides safe milk and contributes to nutrition security, health and economic growth. This initiative is an essential step towards achieving this vision,” he said during the launch of the More Milk project at ILRI Nairobi.
This four-year project seeks to empower small-scale dairy businesses with the tools to meet regulatory standards, enhance market access and promote safer, high-quality milk production.
The project is funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Kenya Dairy Board managing director Margaret Kibogy noted that the informal dairy sector plays a critical role in the nation’s economy and nutrition, providing affordable milk to millions of households.
She said dairy vendors serve as trusted ambassadors for nutrition, health and food safety in their communities.
“Despite their important role in society, they face significant challenges, including lack of adequate support, inability to adhere to best milk handling practices and regulatory requirements and difficulties to check and maintain product quality and safety,” she said.
The initiative targets small-scale dairy businesses in Nakuru, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu counties.
It will address current challenges by improving milk handling practices and ensuring regulatory compliance while empowering vendors to thrive, and enhancing consumer trust.
“This scheme will support their gradual transition into certified enterprises that offer safe and quality dairy products. Through capacity building, incentives for change and fostering an enabling environment, we are committed to supporting small and medium dairy enterprises,” she said.
“We believe that providing the necessary training, technology and access to resources can uplift the entire dairy sector, ensuring healthier and safer milk for all Kenyans,” Kibogy said.
She added that the MoreMilk 2 initiative will deliver significant changes, including improved milk safety standards, increased regulatory compliance, and greater participation of informal businesses in regulated markets.
“It will also empower consumers by increasing demand for safer, high-quality milk and strengthen gender equity by fostering collaboration between men and women in the informal sector,” she said.
ILRI director general Appolinaire Djikeng said KDB and ILRI partnership demonstrates that the milk sector holds potential, and it can be used to transform economic development, empower women and build a resilient society.
“In this phase, we’re continuing
on what we’ve done in the past,
demonstrating that we can produce
more milk and more money into the
country,” he said.
