Three Kenyan counties Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua are spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at professionalizing the country’s informal dairy sector. Between March 25 and April 2, 2025, the MoreMilk 2 team held a series of strategic consultations with county leaders and stakeholders to co-design a localized approach that can eventually scale across Kenya.
Building on the success of MoreMilk 1 a pilot led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Eldoret MoreMilk 2 seeks to make the informal dairy sector safer, more compliant, and economically viable. Over 70% of milk consumed in Kenyan households is sourced informally, and the initiative sees this as a critical opportunity rather than a challenge.
“Despite having a strong formal sector, informal milk markets still dominate. We must find a way to work with them rather than against them,” said Maritim Kimutai, Director of Regulatory Services at the Kenya Dairy Board.
The new initiative is not about sidelining informal vendors but empowering them with training, business skills, and incentives to improve milk safety and expand their enterprises. County visits saw engagement with County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), and directors of agriculture, livestock, public health, cooperatives, and regulatory bodies to ensure the initiative aligns with county priorities.
“With MoreMilk 1, we saw vendors grow their businesses and children drink more milk. MoreMilk 2 builds on that with a system-wide focus from farmer to vendor,” said Abraham Kiptanui, Uasin Gishu County Director of Livestock Production.
Counties play a key role in shifting from top-down enforcement to bottom-up empowerment. Nakuru County’s approach to organizing and training informal vendors aligns seamlessly with the goals of MoreMilk 2.
Beyond milk safety, the initiative also promotes gender inclusion and climate resilience, offering vendors the tools to earn more while ensuring community health.
“MoreMilk 2 is not just about milk. It is about dignity, equity, and building a system where everyone wins,” emphasized ILRI’s Silvia Alonso.
As the initiative gains momentum, it promises to strengthen county-level policies and establish inclusive, safe milk hubs laying a foundation for a healthier and more prosperous dairy sector in Kenya.
