Meru, Kenya – 20th February 2026: Dairy farmers have been urged to embrace Quality-Based Payment Systems (QBPS) within their co-operatives to improve milk quality and boost earnings.
Speaking during a farmers’ training forum in Meru, Jonathan Mweke, Permanent Secretary in the State Department for Livestock Development, said co-operatives adopting QBPS will shift the focus from milk volume to quality, ensuring better returns for farmers.
“Traditionally, many dairy farmers have focused on producing large volumes of milk without considering quality. Now, we must change this habit. By feeding animals a balanced diet and practicing better animal husbandry, farmers can improve butter and protein content, fetching higher prices,” he said.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Mweke noted that producing quality milk opens access to better markets and guarantees long-term increased returns. He emphasized the importance of proper animal husbandry practices, including balanced diets, timely treatment, and vaccination against diseases.
According to the State Department, Kenya has over 825 registered dairy co-operatives producing approximately 475,000 litres of milk daily, with dairy farming contributing about 4% to the country’s GDP.
Milk prices have risen from Sh47 to Sh60, reflecting a 13% increase, providing a strong incentive for farmers to focus on quality improvement.
Mweke observed that the future of dairy farming will be defined by milk quality rather than sheer quantity. He cited India, the world’s largest milk producer as an example where farmers are informed about butterfat and protein levels at milk collection centers, with payments directly linked to quality metrics.
Addressing Feed Shortages and Costs
The PS also attributed rising feed costs to farmers prioritizing food crops over fodder production, leading to shortages. To address this, the department plans to lease government land to large-scale private farmers for fodder cultivation to stabilize feed supply and reduce costs.
Farmers at the forum raised concerns about the high cost of adopting QBPS, particularly the milk analysis equipment required at collection centers. Mweke assured them that the government will support co-operatives by subsidizing the necessary devices.
“Two milk processors have already adopted QBPS, and their farmers are enjoying better returns for their work,” he added, urging more co-operatives to adopt the system.
The push for QBPS marks a broader effort to modernize Kenya’s dairy sector, improve product quality, enhance farmer incomes, and strengthen competitiveness in both local and export markets.
