Government should save dairy sector threatened by the coronavirus

As Covid-19 continues to disrupt countries around the world, food security and livelihoods are at risk particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Dairy presents a unique opportunity to address some of the most detrimental effects of the pandemic while putting the systems on a path toward more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth. The dairy sector in Kenya provides vital nutrition for both rural households and urban consumers and employs thousands of women and men along the value chain.

In Laikipia, a county with a population of over 55,000 heads of dairy cattle, the estimated daily milk production is over 100,000 litres. The county milk consumption index is 2.2 which is quite above the national average of 2.0. It is a major employer, especially in the rural and peri-urban areas. Many homesteads in Igwamiti, Marmanet, Githiga, Olmoran, Rumuruti, Salama, Sosian, Gorbit, Tigithi, and Umande wards keep dairy cows, hence creating employment opportunities for many smallholder farmers and their families.