The dairy farming sector in Kiambu is significant, with numerous small-scale dairy farmers supplying milk to processors and consumers. Kiambu's favorable climate and established agricultural infrastructure support dairy cattle raising. The Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC), historically a major buyer of milk from Kiambu farmers, collapsed in the early 2000s, disrupting farmer incomes and market structures.
Private processors, particularly Brookside Dairy, have emerged as major buyers of milk from Kiambu farmers. Brookside, connected to the Kenyatta family, is one of Kenya's largest dairy processors, collecting milk from thousands of farmers and selling processed products (pasteurized milk, yogurt, butter) throughout Kenya. The company has invested in milk collection infrastructure and farmer support services, creating stable market linkages.
Dairy farming involves both large-scale commercial operations and numerous smallholder farmers with a few dairy cattle. Smallholder dairy farmers face challenges including high feed costs (particularly during dry seasons), disease in herds, volatile milk prices, and competition from imported dairy products. Modern dairy farming practices (improved breeds, animal health, feed management) are adopted by progressive farmers but require capital investment beyond the reach of poorer smallholders. Dairy cooperatives have attempted to aggregate farmer production and provide services, though cooperative management challenges have limited effectiveness. Dairy represents an important income source for Kiambu farmers and a significant contribution to Kenya's dairy supply.
See Also
Kiambu Timeline Kiambu Colonial History Kiambu as Kikuyu Heartland Kikuyu Kiambu Economy Thika Town