By Eddah Waithaka
The More Milk for Lives and Livelihoods 2 (MoreMilk 2) initiative is transforming Kenya’s informal dairy sector—one vendor at a time. Led by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the program is working closely with Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties to make milk safer, businesses stronger, and markets more inclusive.
Between March 25 and April 2, 2025, the MoreMilk 2 team met with county officials, farmers, and vendors to craft a strategy that fits local needs. Their goal? To expand safe, profitable milk sales across Kenya—starting with the informal markets where most consumers buy their milk.
Why MoreMilk 2 is a Game-Changer
Building on the success of MoreMilk 1 in Eldoret, which demonstrated that vendors can drive change with the right support, the new MoreMilk 2 initiative embraces a bolder strategy by empowering informal sellers who supply over 70% of Kenya’s milk.
This phase equips vendors with essential training and tools to meet safety standards while increasing their incomes.
As Maritim Kimutai, KDB Director of Regulatory Services, emphasizes, “Cracking down on vendors doesn’t work; we need to bring them into the system, improve practices, and make milk safer for everyone.”
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The initiative transforms research into real-world impact, ensuring that policies benefit farmers, vendors, and consumers alike while aligning with county-led strategies in agriculture, health, and livestock development.
Abraham Kiptanui, Uasin Gishu County Director of Livestock Production, notes, “In Eldoret, we saw vendors increase profits while improving child nutrition. Now, we’re scaling this success.”
Furthermore, counties are shifting their focus from punitive measures to support through training and incentives, helping vendors adopt better hygiene and climate-smart practices.
As Virginia Ngunjiri, Nakuru Director of Livestock Production, states, “Nakuru doesn’t punish informal vendors—we organize them, train them, and help them thrive.”
More Than Just Safe Milk—A Stronger Dairy Sector
The benefits go beyond food safety:
🔹 Vendors gain dignity and steady incomes
🔹 Farmers access reliable markets
🔹 Families get affordable, safe milk
🔹 Counties strengthen local economies
“This isn’t just about milk—it’s about fairness, jobs, and better health for all.”
— Dr. Silvia Alonso, ILRI Principal Scientist
“Nyandarua produces milk, but our children don’t consume enough. Stronger local markets mean healthier families and wealthier farmers.”
— Francis Miring’u, Nyandarua CECM for Health Services
What’s Coming Next?
With county partnerships secured, MoreMilk 2 will now:
🔹 Train and certify informal vendors
🔹 Create safe milk market hubs
🔹 Strengthen county policies for lasting impact
The vision is clear: Safe milk for Kenyan families, thriving businesses for vendors, and a more resilient dairy sector—built from the ground up.
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