Dairy farmers in Mwala Sub-County have received a major boost after the County Government of Machakos provided milk pasteurisation and packaging machines to Masii Dairy Cooperative to enhance value addition and market access.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the county has invested Sh10 million to support the cooperative to acquire the equipment, plus an additional Sh370,000 cheque to automate its operations.

Speaking while commissioning the machines in Masii, Wavinya said the equipment will enable the cooperative to bulk, store, package and transport milk to distant markets including Nairobi, reduce wastage and increase earnings for farmers.

“My vision for the cooperative movement in Machakos is to make them grow and become independent. When people come together, they form a strong company. We are doing this with many other cooperatives, including coffee factories,” she said.

In Wamunyu Ward, the Governor issued a Sh819,000 cheque to Wamunyu Cooperative Society to strengthen its operations, with a pledge to further support members with chicks and fish fingerlings to expand poultry and fish farming.

The support comes amid a nationwide milk supply shortage and is expected to reduce wastage and improve farmer returns.

During a development tour of Wamunyu, the Governor, accompanied by her Deputy Francis Mwangangi, also launched a new ECDE classroom at Yathui Primary.

She noted that the county has strengthened early learning through daily feeding, the Maziwa ya Mama programme, learning materials and child-friendly furniture, which has seen ECDE enrolment grow from about 32,000 to over 42,000 learners.

“Early childhood education is a commitment we continue to strengthen to give every child the right foundation,” she said.

The Governor further launched the opening and grading of the Kaitha-Kambiti Road through Kambiti Primary, which will link Kaitha Sublocation to neighbouring areas and improve access to schools, markets and health facilities.

“Development is most meaningful when it reaches every household. By investing in education, cooperatives and roads, we are laying a strong foundation for better livelihoods,” Wavinya said.

Mwangangi, on his part said the county administration remains committed to delivering projects that respond directly to residents’ needs.

 by Alex Mulili  and Anne Kangero