Meru: President William Ruto has announced a reduction in the cost of sexed semen in order to boost dairy farming. Speaking during the 10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Annual Dairy Farmers' Field Day at Gitoro ASK showground, President Ruto said the prices will go down from the current Sh4000 to Sh1000. 'Starting 1st of July this year, the prices of sexed semen will go down to Sh1000 from Sh4000. I don't want to hear that farmers are being overcharged. Let's maintain the price so as to support our farmers' said Ruto. He urged farmers to embrace sexed semen to improve their production and be sure of the calves they expect.
According to Kenya News Agency, he also noted that his government is committed to ensuring that animal feeds' prices are also lowered. 'We expect the animal feed manufacturing plant to be ready by end of the year. Through this, we will be able to reduce the cost of animal feed to the benefit of farmers,' said President Ruto.
In his bid to support dairy farming and reduce wastage of milk, he promised 230 coolers across the nation. 'Through the department of livestock, we have purchased 230 coolers. Already, we have released 15 coolers for Meru Dairy, 13 for Tharaka Nithi and others for Embu and Kirinyaga. This will be a big boost to the dairy sector in this region,' he noted.
To address challenges faced by dairy farmers in selling their livestock at fair prices, the union launched a new website aimed at marketing cows on behalf of farmers. The union CEO, Kenneth Gitonga, said that farmers have long struggled with low market prices for their cows, often forced to sell them at a loss. 'It has become increasingly hard for farmers to find reliable buyers, and when they do, the cows are sold at a very cheap price that does not reflect their value,' Gitonga explained.
To help change this, the union has now created an online platform that will enable the cooperative to sell cows directly on behalf of its members. The initiative is expected to connect farmers to better markets and ensure they receive fair compensation for their livestock. 'This platform will not only give farmers better visibility but also ensure transparency in pricing. Our goal is to help farmers get the value they deserve,' added Mr Gitonga.
The move is part of a wider effort by the Meru Dairy Union to embrace technology and improve the livelihoods of its members. It has also been exploring other digital solutions to streamline milk collection, payments, and access to veterinary services. Farmers within the cooperative have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will improve their income and reduce exploitation by middlemen.