By Kurian Musa
Egerton University has received a 2,000-litre capacity solar-powered milk cooler from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, in a move aimed at boosting milk preservation and enhancing training in dairy value addition.
The equipment was officially handed over to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, during a ceremony held at the Dairy Training Institute (DTI), Naivasha. The initiative is part of the national government’s ongoing programme to enhance milk storage and reduce post-harvest losses across Kenya’s dairy-producing regions.
Egerton University was one of the select recipients among farmers’ co-operatives and training institutions from Nakuru and Baringo Counties, recognized for their contribution to advancing Kenya’s dairy sector through training, research, and innovation.
Prof. Aduda, who was accompanied by Dr. John Nduko, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, welcomed the donation, noting that it would significantly strengthen the University’s practical teaching and research capacity in dairy production and management.
“This solar-powered cooler will enhance our students’ hands-on learning experience in the Dairy Department and support research in cold chain systems, energy-efficient technologies, and value addition,” said Prof. Aduda.
Dr. Nduko added that the facility would enable the University to store milk more efficiently, minimize wastage, and facilitate training on milk quality assurance and processing.
In his remarks, CS Kagwe lauded Egerton University for its continued leadership in agricultural education and research, noting that such collaborations demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering institutions that directly contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture.
The new cooler is set to be installed at the University’s dairy unit, where it will immediately begin supporting training and research activities.
