QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: Kenya Dairy Board Chairman Genesio Mugo Leads Bold Push to Transform Dairy Farming

Kenya's dairy industry is undergoing a major transformation, with farmers now being encouraged to focus on the quality of milk they produce rather than simply increasing volumes. At the centre of this shift is Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) Chairman Genesio Mugo, who is championing reforms aimed at improving farmer earnings, strengthening food safety, and positioning Kenya's dairy products for regional and international markets.

Kenya remains Africa's largest milk producer, generating an estimated 5.4 billion litres annually. However, industry leaders say the future competitiveness of the sector will increasingly depend on producing high-quality milk that meets strict safety and nutritional standards.

A key pillar of the ongoing reforms is the rollout of the Quality-Based Milk Payment (QBMP) system, which rewards farmers according to the quality of the milk they deliver rather than the quantity alone. Under the system, milk with low bacterial counts, free from antibiotic residues and adulteration, and with higher butterfat and protein content attracts premium prices.

According to Chairman Mugo, the new payment model is intended to motivate farmers to adopt better dairy management practices, including proper animal nutrition, disease control, regular veterinary care, hygienic milking procedures, access to clean water, and improved milk handling.

To support the transition, the Kenya Dairy Board has continued investing in infrastructure that preserves milk quality. Among the initiatives is the distribution of milk cooling equipment to dairy cooperatives across the country, including Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Farmers Limited.

The cooling facilities help reduce bacterial growth immediately after milking, preserving freshness, minimizing spoilage, and enabling farmers to consistently meet the quality standards required for premium payments. The investment is also expected to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen consumer confidence in locally produced dairy products.

Beyond improving raw milk quality, the Kenya Dairy Board is promoting value addition as a strategy to increase incomes across the dairy value chain. The Board is encouraging increased production of processed dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, butter, and milk powder, creating opportunities for export while cushioning farmers during periods of milk surplus.

Chairman Mugo has also emphasized the importance of strengthening dairy cooperatives, describing them as critical institutions for improving farmers' bargaining power, lowering production costs, expanding access to financing and extension services, and ensuring effective quality assurance.

Another initiative receiving support is the rollout of sexed semen technology, which is expected to accelerate herd improvement by increasing the likelihood of producing female dairy calves. The programme aims to boost milk production efficiency and improve the long-term profitability of dairy farming.

The reforms align with the Government's broader agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to diversify farmers' incomes through investments in dairy, coffee, avocado, macadamia, and other high-value agricultural enterprises.

Industry stakeholders believe the ongoing reforms represent a significant step towards making Kenya's dairy sector more competitive globally while improving livelihoods for thousands of dairy farmers.

As the country continues modernizing its dairy industry, the message from sector leaders remains clear: producing quality milk is becoming the new benchmark for success, offering farmers greater income opportunities and securing the future growth of one of Kenya's most important agricultural sectors.