Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Society for becoming Kenya's largest dairy cooperative by milk production, attributing its growth to increased government investment and the commitment of farmers.
Speaking on Saturday during the official opening of the Meru Maziwa Millers Animal Feeds Factory in Mitunguu, Meru County, Kindiki said the cooperative had become a model for dairy farming in the country.
"I am here to tell you that the Government of Kenya is grateful to the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Society because, as of now, this cooperative is the biggest dairy cooperative society in Kenya in terms of milk production," he said.
He congratulated the cooperative's leadership and farmers for increasing milk production, saying their efforts had elevated Meru Central Dairy to the top position nationally.
Kindiki said President William Ruto, who was scheduled to officiate the event but was held up by engagements at State House, had reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the dairy sector.
According to the Deputy President, Ruto has attended the cooperative's Farmers' Day celebrations annually since 2023 and plans to return next year.
The Deputy President said the government had invested heavily in the cooperative to boost production and improve farmers' incomes.
He noted that President Ruto had earlier allocated Sh100 million towards the establishment of the animal feeds factory and had this week approved an additional Sh100 million through the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.
"The KSh100 million from the Government of Kenya has been invested in this factory. This week, he has added another KSh100 million because we have to increase the production capacity of this factory," Kindiki said.
He added that the government would continue funding the project, including Phase Two, to enable the factory to meet growing demand for affordable animal feeds.
"This factory will become the largest cattle feeds factory in this region. The President and the Government believe that once you put money in the pockets of farmers, you build the nation and transform the economy of our country," he said.
The Deputy President said Meru Central Dairy, which has 161,000 members, plays a critical role in supporting thousands of farming families and increasing agricultural productivity.
Kindiki also credited the Kenya Kwanza administration with improving milk prices since taking office in 2022.
He said farmers previously sold milk at between Sh32 and Sh35 per litre, but the price had risen to Sh50 following government interventions, adding that the cooperative would announce a further price increase.
"The entire process of increasing the price of milk from Sh32 to Sh50, and now to the new price that we are going to announce today, is the work and the sweat of President William Ruto," he said.
Turning to politics, Kindiki defended the government's record, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration would seek a second term based on its development achievements rather than campaign promises.
"As the Deputy President, I will defend myself during campaigns with the work I have helped deliver in matters of milk, coffee, roads and other development projects. Those competing with us should tell us what they have done to help farmers and improve the lives of citizens," he said.
He dismissed opposition leaders whom he accused of offering rhetoric instead of practical solutions, urging residents to back President Ruto's bid for a second and final term.
"We are staying in this government because next year President William Ruto will seek his second and final term. Electing President William Ruto is electing the fireman," Kindiki said.