How can we bring more safe milk to Kenyan households while helping informal dairy vendors grow stronger, more sustainable businesses? That’s the driving force behind More Milk for Lives and Livelihoods 2 (MoreMilk 2)—a bold, county-led initiative by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Between 25 March and 2 April 2025, the MoreMilk 2 team held a series of consultative forums in Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua—the first three counties to roll out the initiative. These meetings brought together county leaders and stakeholders to co-create an approach tailored to local needs, with the aim of expanding the program nationally.
What’s the Goal?
To professionalize Kenya’s informal dairy sector, where most Kenyans buy their milk. The aim is to make it safer, more inclusive, and more profitable for farmers, vendors, and consumers alike. MoreMilk 2 supports counties in unlocking the potential of informal milk markets—improving public health, creating better businesses, and enhancing livelihoods.
What Sets MoreMilk 2 Apart?
✅ From Problem to Partner
MoreMilk 2 flips the script by recognizing informal vendors as part of the solution—not the problem. Since over 70% of milk consumed in Kenya comes from informal channels, the project avoids criminalizing the sector and instead supports vendors to become legitimate, trusted actors in the food system.
“Despite a strong formal sector, informal markets dominate. We must work with them, not against them,” — Maritim Kimutai, Director of Regulatory Services, KDB
✅ Linking Research, Policy, and Practice
Building on insights from MoreMilk 1—a successful pilot in Eldoret—MoreMilk 2 turns evidence into action. The initiative bridges the gap between research, policy, and real-world practice, creating informed and practical solutions for counties.
✅ Co-Creation Over Imposition
The recent county engagements weren’t just a launch—they were a listening tour. The MoreMilk 2 team met with County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), directors of agriculture, livestock, health, and cooperatives to align the initiative with county priorities.
“In Eldoret, vendors grew their businesses and more children drank milk. MoreMilk 2 expands this success across the full value chain.” — Abraham Kiptanui, Director of Livestock Production, Uasin Gishu County
✅ Empowerment, Not Just Enforcement
Counties are moving from top-down enforcement to bottom-up empowerment. MoreMilk 2 equips vendors with training, coaching, and incentives—proving that safe milk practices can boost income, health, and consumer trust.
“In Nakuru, we don’t condemn informal vendors—we train and support them. That’s why MoreMilk 2 aligns perfectly with our goals.” — Virginia Ngunjiri, Director of Livestock Production, Nakuru County
✅ Beyond Milk Safety
MoreMilk 2 isn’t only about safer milk. It promotes business skills, gender inclusion, and climate resilience—providing vendors with the tools to grow their enterprises and improve community well-being.
“This project is about more than milk. It’s about dignity, equity, and building a system where everyone wins.” — Silvia Alonso, Principal Scientist, ILRI
“Nyandarua produces a lot of milk but consumes little. By strengthening local markets, we’ll increase milk access for our children and boost income for farmers and vendors.” — Francis Miring’u, CECM for Health, Nyandarua County
What’s Next?
The recent county visits have laid a strong foundation for county-driven implementation. With momentum building, the MoreMilk 2 team will now:
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Deepen partnerships with county governments and stakeholders
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Roll out a vendor training and certification program
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Support creation of inclusive, safe milk market hubs
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Strengthen local policy and investment frameworks for sustainability
The Big Picture?
To bring more safe milk to Kenyan households—while unlocking more value for informal vendors, farmers, and local communities.
