“Maziwa? Pesa!” – Milk is Money, and Uruku Farmers are Cashing In
On August 29th,2025, a powerful moment unfolded in Meru County, Kenya. Farmers, staff, and leaders of the Uruku Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society came together for something truly historic. The launch of their first-ever strategic plan.
Nearly 30 years after its founding, the cooperative has taken a bold step forward, choosing to shape its future with clarity, ambition, and shared purpose. This is more than a document. It is a roadmap to prosperity, designed by farmers, for farmers.
The atmosphere was electric with optimism. Under wide white tents, farmers leaned in with pens and notebooks, listening closely as Chairperson Mr. David Mwenda presented the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. Around them sat representatives from Meru County’s Department of Cooperative Development, the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union (MCDCU), and AgriGRADE - an initiative led by Agriterra. Everyone was there for one reason: to affirm that when farmers rise, communities thrive.
And the slogan that tied it all together? “Maziwa? Pesa!”—Milk is Money. More than words,it’s a reality now within reach.
From Litres to Livelihoods
Uruku Dairy has been steadily building momentum and the results speak for themselves. In justfive years, milk collection has quadrupled. From 4,254 litres per day in 2020, to astaggering 13,102 litres in 2024 and toover 15,800 litres in mid-2025, the cooperative is now among the region’s topperformers. Today, 1,209 active farmers are part of this growth story,contributing to MCDCU’s rising reputation and to Meru County’s place among Kenya’s top five milk-producing regions.
This success is no accident. It’s the result of hard work, smart investments, and strong partnerships. The MCDCU processing plant, increased support from development partners, and a shift in farmer mindsets—from subsistence to agribusiness—have all laid the foundation for transformation.
And Agriterra has been there to help accelerate that change. Through AgriGRADE, launched in 2024, farmer cooperatives like Uruku are becoming more professional, better linked to finance, and equipped to reach new markets. The ambition is clear, by2027 MCDCU will grow its milk volumes by 22% and improve the professionalism ofits cooperatives by 41%.
A Strategy That Doesn’t Sit on a Shelf
Uruku’s newfive-year strategy isn’t a glossy document designed to sit on a shelf. It’s practical, inclusive, and focused on impact. Built on four strategic pillars:
1. Financial Sustainability
2. Sustainable Business Model
3. Operational Efficiency
4. Stakeholder Management
These strategic pillars set a clear path for every member.
Each farmer has asimple, actionable target to double their milk production. And if that’s not possible, bring two new members on board who can. This growth model ensures no one is left behind, while the cooperative continues to expand.
The goal is ambitious but achievable. 25,000 litres of milk per day by 2030. County officials believe that with the right support, that milestone could be reached in just three years.
Incentives That Inspire
To encourage progress, Uruku is putting real rewards in place. By August 2026, the most improved milk supplier will receive KES 50,000 from a key stakeholder, with the chairperson personally adding KES 20,000.
These incentives send a powerful message: excellence in milk production is not just recognized. It is rewarded.
Strengthening the Backbone
Behind every litre of milk collected is a network of services and systems that make it possible. Uruku is investing in both.
1. Extension services are being revitalized, with staff training, performance targets, and farm-to-farm visits to provide hands-on support.
2. Milk quality training is expanding, helping farmers unlock higher yields and better market value.
3. Herd improvement is now a reality, with improved dairy breeds accessible through MCDCU.
4. Digital transformation is in full swing, with a modern management information system tracking every litre and every transaction to ensure transparency and trust.
Strong Partners, Stronger Farmers
Uruku’s progress is strengthened by collaboration. Financial institutions including Times U, Golden Pillar, Capital, Yetu SACCOS and Equity Bank joined the launch to offer tailored financial products for farmers.
And Agriterra, through AgriGRADE, is deepening its support with training in governance, financial management, and member services. A bankable business plan is in development, while policies and SOPs will ensure professionalism across operations. By 2026, leadership coaching and mentorship will help the cooperative not just implement but excel.
Because when farmer organisations are strong, farmers themselves become unstoppable.
Sowing Today, Thriving Tomorrow
Uruku Dairy’sjourney is about more than litres of milk. It is about shifting mindsets,building resilience, and creating wealth where it matters most - in farmers’households. The cooperative is laying the groundwork for a future where dairyfarming is not just a way of life, but a thriving business that can produce many milks millionaires.
As the event closed, farmers walked away with renewed confidence and a simple truth echoing in their minds: “Maziwa? Pesa!” Milk is Money.
And with partners like Agriterra walking beside them, that promise is turninginto lasting prosperity.
