Boost dairy sector Kenya (II)

A Sustainable Future for Kenya’s Dairy Sector

Context
Kenya is a country of dairy farmers, ranging from thousands of smallholder farmers with 1 or 2 cows to larger farms with dozens of animals. Women typically care for the cows, viewing milk as a secondary product, while men often keep cows as a status symbol. The more cows they own, the greater their status. However, many fail to recognize the potential of turning these cows into a foundation for a thriving farming business. Transitioning to commercial dairy farming and developing the sector holds immense potential for generating additional income and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. Moreover, fresh dairy products contribute to improved health for the local population. The future offers abundant opportunities!

Organization
The Dairy Training Centre (DTC) is a Dutch organization based in Oenkerk, Friesland, with decades of expertise in the dairy sector. In fact, nearly all dairy farmers in the Netherlands have received their education at DTC.

DTC also operates internationally, including in Kenya, where it has established the Dairy Business School. The training program emphasizes practical learning, enabling farmers to efficiently and economically produce and process milk.

In Kenya, DTC collaborates with the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) to establish a model dairy farm, a milk processing facility, and a retail outlet. The goal is to present dairy farming as a viable and serious source of income for local communities.

“I appreciate the valuable and practical lessons. The networking and interaction were great. The training was well-organized, thoroughly prepared and tailored to the needs of all categories of farmers. We have gathered essential knowledge that we can apply across the various parts in the dairy value chain. We are convinced of the importance to become a dairy entrepreneur instead of just a (subsistence) farmer. We are looking forward to receiving many more of these practical lessons in the near future.” – Thomas Mbogo, farmer.

Goals and Impact
By focusing on the practical application of knowledge, we aim to train 10 communities annually, including pastors (!) and their congregation members. The goal is to educate them in developing dairy farming as a business and locally processing milk into products like yogurt, cheese, and pasteurized milk. This not only creates jobs and economic opportunities but also ensures a healthier environment for children in these communities.

Our approach impacts 500 families in these 10 communities annually. With an average family size of six, this project directly affects 3,000 people each year. These individuals, in turn, positively influence their surroundings. Indirectly, the impact reaches far beyond the immediate 3,000 people.

Since 2020, our impact has been expanding like a ripple effect. The changes benefit not only the families involved but also the broader community. This project provides opportunities for dairy farmers, young entrepreneurs, and church communities to grow and develop further.

Project Costs
We are currently training trainers, setting up a small farm with 8 cows as a demonstration project, and developing training materials. The next phase involves establishing a milk processing facility, equipping classrooms, purchasing dairy equipment, acquiring a practical vehicle to visit local communities, and enhancing training materials for processing various dairy products.

The total budget for this project is €120,000. As the project is already underway, our aim is to achieve this funding by July 2025.

Would You Like to Contribute?
MissionInvest is highly enthusiastic about this project because it is entirely focused on practical, real-world farming. The training is delivered by individuals who manage their own farms!

Since 2022, DTC and MissionInvest have successfully partnered in Kenya, completing a first project. This second project is a logical continuation of that success.

Your support can contribute to the sustainable development of Kenya’s dairy farming industry and the growth of local communities. As a donor or investor, you will have the opportunity to be part of this inspiring project and engage directly with it. You are also warmly invited to visit the project and/or participate in a training session!

Invest in the Future of Dairy Farming in Kenya
Help us create a lasting impact for thousands of people in East Africa. Together, we can make a difference!