Murang’a Dairy Farmers Seek Tax Relief as Government Eyes Buffalo Milk

High animal feed prices have become a major concern for dairy farmers in Gatanga, Murang’a County, who say their earnings are being squeezed by rising production costs. The farmers are asking the government to lower taxes on animal feeds before introducing new livestock breeds to increase Kenya’s milk production.

Their appeal was made during the launch of restored government milk coolers in Murang’a. The farmers said dairy farming was becoming less rewarding because a large share of their income was being spent on feeding their animals.

Cooperatives Want Greater Control of Milk Sales

The farmers have also called for changes to cooperative laws to protect dairy societies from losing members and milk supplies to processing companies. They want processors to purchase milk through registered cooperatives instead of dealing directly with individual producers.

John Waweru, identified as a leader in the dairy cooperative sector, said a law requiring processors to work through cooperatives would strengthen the societies. Under the proposed arrangement, cooperatives would collect milk from farmers before supplying processing companies.

The farmers believe this system would help cooperatives remain relevant in the dairy industry. They also want the government to address the financial challenges facing producers rather than concentrating only on increasing national milk output.

Government Considers New Sources of Milk

The concerns have emerged as President William Ruto explores other ways to increase Kenya’s milk supply. During the Agriculture and Food Security Summit at Jamhuri Park on Friday, October 9, he directed Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to facilitate the importation of improved camel breeds and buffaloes.

Ruto pointed to India, where buffaloes are used commercially for milk production, as an example Kenya could consider. The proposal has attracted attention because it would expand the range of animals used in the country's dairy sector.

However, the introduction of water buffaloes has also raised questions about the legal requirements for keeping them and their classification as food animals. The government’s plans have therefore opened a wider discussion about how alternative dairy production could be developed in Kenya.

Farmers Call for Support Before Expansion

For farmers in Gatanga, the immediate priority is making dairy farming affordable and profitable. They argue that reducing feed costs would provide more direct relief than introducing new breeds while existing producers continue to struggle with expenses.

Restoring milk coolers may improve milk collection and handling, but the farmers say wider reforms are also needed. They want the government to combine efforts to increase production with policies that lower costs and strengthen the cooperatives through which many farmers sell their milk.

The debate now centres on two challenges: expanding Kenya’s milk supply and ensuring that farmers can afford to produce it. The farmers are seeking action on feed taxes and cooperative rules as the government explores its plans for buffalo and camel milk.