TAITA TAVETA, Kenya – Taita Taveta County will strengthen its partnership and collaboration with CorpsAfrica to enhance development at the grassroots level.
This came to the fore when Governor Andrew Mwadime was the chief guest at the CorpsAfrica Pitch Day, an event aimed at funding community-led projects across Kenya.
CorpsAfrica is a nonprofit organization that empowers young Africans to volunteer in underserved communities, implementing small-scale, locally identified projects that improve livelihoods.
With over 800 projects completed across Africa, the organisation is now expanding its work in Kenya.
To expand such impact, the County Government of Taita Taveta plans to sign an MoU with CorpsAfrica.
How the partnership will help Taita Taveta youth
The partnership will create opportunities for more youth from Taita Taveta to join future cohorts and lead similar projects in the county.
“These kinds of partnerships uplift our communities, empower youth, and bring real change at the grassroots,” said Governor Mwadime.
On his part, Dr. Patricia Kingori, CorpsAfrica Country Director, said:
“We are excited to partner with Taita Taveta County and work closely with communities to deliver meaningful impact.”
Also present were CECMs Shedrack Mutungi (Youth) and Gloria Monikombo (Education), Directors Brian Lewela (Youth) and Raphael Chola (Education), Assistant Director Leonard Mwachia, and Social Development Officer Wilfried Shoghosho.
Why Taita Taveta partnered with the Kenya Dairy Board
Against this background, youth have been encouraged to apply for Cohort 4, with training starting in August 2025 and deployment set for October 2025.
This comes when it emerged that there is enhanced collaboration among the County Government of Taita Taveta, the Kenya Dairy Board, and livestock input service providers, which is crucial to boosting milk production and promoting value addition in Taita Taveta’s dairy sector.
During a routine visit to the Tagho Dairy Cooperative, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Cooperatives Development, and Blue Economy, Dawson Katuu Mzenge underscored the importance of joint efforts in strengthening the dairy industry.
“Dairy farming in Taita Taveta is like a growing child; it needs nurturing and collective support to reach its full potential,” Katuu said. We must work closely with the Kenya Dairy Board and other stakeholders to create a structured framework that supports our farmers in increasing production,” said Mzenge.
He commended Tagho Dairy Cooperative for its strides in processing and marketing yoghurt, mala, and fresh milk, calling it a model institution.
“As a county, we recognize Tagho’s efforts and are committed to supporting their expansion, especially in areas like pasteurisation and market access,” he added.
Why dairy cooperatives should partner with Agrovets
County Chief Officer for Agriculture Mcharo Mwalugha echoed the same sentiments and urged dairy cooperatives to partner with Agrovets to ensure a timely and steady supply of quality livestock inputs.
“Formal agreements with reliable agro vets will guarantee farmers consistent, timely access to essential inputs, which is vital for boosting production. This includes AI services that are the cornerstone for improved breeds and hence milk production,” Mwalugha said. “Our focus must be on helping dairy farmers increase both productivity and profitability.”
Kenya Dairy Board’s Andrew Ngui Kariuki emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance to ensure milk safety.
“Selling raw milk is prohibited. Pasteurization is a must to eliminate bacteria and protect consumers,” he noted.
He stressed the need for continuous training and information-sharing to help farmers and dairy cooperatives understand and meet regulatory requirements.
As part of the visit, the Kenya Dairy Board team conducted milk quality tests, including checks for antibiotics, aflatoxins, hydrogen peroxide, acidity, and neutralizers, with all samples meeting safety standards.
Also in attendance were Director of Livestock Herbert Nyambu, Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jeremiah Ngugi, and Livestock Officer Gibson Mwandigha.
