Keiyo: Residents of Bugar location of Keiyo North sub county have received 200 heifers from the Elgeiyo Marakwet County Government to boost milk production.

According to Kenya News Agency, their chairman Lazarus Ruto, who is a retired livestock officer, advised residents to ensure they take care of the heifers well so that they can conduct artificial insemination (AI) after one year in a bid to get a better breed. Speaking at Bugar centre when they received the heifers, Ruto cautioned the beneficiaries against using local bulls, saying this will reduce their quality.

The chairman mentioned that each of the heifers, with proper management, is expected to produce 7-8 litres of milk per day. He added that with AI, their calves will increase the production to 10 litres per day. Furthermore, he announced that the county government will purchase a cooler with a capacity to store 500 litres of milk per day.

Valerie Biwott, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the county government for the gesture, emphasizing that farmers will boost their income following increased milk production. She noted that apart from the income, she will now have enough to feed her family, improving their health status.