Makueni farmers have received a solar milk cooler, 155 beehives and livestock feed under a new agriculture support programme aimed at boosting dairy and drought resilience.

New Agriculture Support Programme

Farmers from Kitise/Kithuki Ward on Tuesday benefited from a new agriculture support programme. The initiative aims to strengthen dairy farming, apiculture, and drought resilience to improve household incomes and agricultural productivity.

The programme saw the commissioning of a 1,000-litre solar-powered bulk milk cooler for the Kitise Farmers Cooperative Society. The move is expected to benefit more than 600 dairy farmers through improved milk aggregation and reduced post-harvest losses. Farmers who previously had to sell their milk immediately after milking can now store it for longer. This allows them to wait for better prices and avoid spoilage.

Farmers also received 155 Langstroth beehives and modern beekeeping equipment. These modern hives are more efficient than traditional log hives. They produce more honey and are easier to manage. Farmers can now earn income from honey production alongside their dairy operations.

Vulnerable households were supported with livestock feed supplements. This aid is designed to help farmers recover from prolonged drought effects. Many farmers lost animals during the recent drought. Those that survived are weak and need extra nutrition.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Makueni Lucy Mulili said the County Government remains committed to investing in practical and sustainable interventions. She said these investments increase productivity, create market opportunities, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu praised the initiative. He said empowering farmers and strengthening cooperatives is essential for rural economic growth and long-term prosperity. Strong cooperatives give farmers collective bargaining power. They can negotiate better prices and access services that individual farmers cannot.

The agriculture support programme for Makueni farmers is implemented through a partnership between the County Government, World Food Programme and National Drought Management Authority. It promotes sustainable, climate-smart and market-driven agriculture.

Makueni New Agriculture Support Programme

The solar-powered milk cooler is a game changer. Without cooling facilities, milk spoils quickly in the hot Makueni climate. Farmers must sell immediately, often at low prices. With the cooler, milk can be stored for up to 48 hours. Farmers can aggregate their milk and sell in bulk. The quality is better because the milk is kept at the right temperature.

The beehives will also have a significant impact. Honey production is a viable business in Makueni. The area has good vegetation for bees. Modern hives produce more honey and are easier to harvest. Farmers can sell honey locally or to larger markets. Honey prices are stable and often higher than other agricultural products.

The livestock feed supplements are critical for recovery. The recent drought was devastating for many farmers. Animals lost weight and stopped producing milk. Some farmers lost entire herds. The supplements will help surviving animals regain condition. This will speed up the recovery of the dairy sector.

The event was attended by CECM Agriculture Damaris Kavoi, Chief Officer Livestock Japtheth Kiminza, MCA Kitise/Kithuki Ward Sebastian Muli and Clerk of the County Assembly Kevin Mutuku.

The agriculture support programme for Makueni farmers is part of a larger effort to transform agriculture in the county. Makueni has been hit hard by climate change. Rains are unreliable. Droughts are more frequent. Farmers need support to adapt.

The county government is investing in irrigation, water harvesting, and climate-smart agriculture. It is also supporting market linkages. The goal is to make farming more resilient and profitable.

The agriculture support programme for Makueni farmers is a good example of what can be achieved through partnerships. The county government provides leadership and coordination. The World Food Programme brings technical expertise and resources. The NDMA ensures the programme is aligned with national drought management strategies.

The work continues. The farmers are working hard. The government is committed. The partners are engaged. The future of farming in Makueni is becoming more secure. One cooler at a time. One hive at a time. One farmer at a time. The transformation is happening now.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/New-Agriculture-Support-Programme.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/New-Agriculture-Support-Programme-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming NewsMakueni farmers have received a solar milk cooler, 155 beehives and livestock feed under a new agriculture support programme aimed at boosting dairy and drought resilience.Farmers from Kitise/Kithuki Ward on Tuesday benefited from a new agriculture support programme. The initiative aims to strengthen dairy farming, apiculture, and drought resilience...New Generation Culture in Agriculture