Chamber of Commerce launches climate-smart dairy project in Nandi

Unveiled at the Tilalwo Multipurpose Farmers’ Cooperative, the initiative marked a major shift toward sustainable agriculture and financial inclusivity, with a strategic rollout planned across Nandi, Narok, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, and Kakamega counties.

In partnership with the Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF) and Space AI, the project aims to unlock Ksh.600 million in financing. This funding is specifically designed to overcome traditional hurdles in the dairy sector, such as high milk aggregation costs and the lack of accessible credit for small-scale producers.

KNCCI President Dr Erick Ruto outlined three transformative pillars: E-mobility to reduce transport costs and carbon footprints, Digitisation via Space AI to build "digital footprints" for credit readiness, and Farmer Input Financing through "Mkulima Loans" for quality feeds and veterinary services.

Beyond infrastructure, the project emphasizes leadership training for cooperative managers to ensure professional governance. It also introduces vital social safety nets, allowing farmers to link milk delivery income directly to school fees and healthcare payments, benefiting an initial 1,500 farmers across 45 cooperatives.