President William Ruto Meets IFAD President Alvaro Lario in Rome to Strengthen Kenya’s Dairy Sector

The discussion focused on ways to deepen cooperation between Kenya and the global institution that supports small-scale farmers around the world. President Ruto used the opportunity to express Kenya’s appreciation for the significant support the organisation continues to provide to the country’s agriculture sector.

During the meeting, President Ruto specifically thanked Alvaro Lario and IFAD for committing $40 million, which is equivalent to Sh5.2 billion, towards the development of Kenya’s dairy industry. This funding is expected to help improve milk production, support dairy farmers with better technology and training, and strengthen the entire value chain from farm to market. Kenya’s dairy sector employs millions of households, particularly in rural areas, and remains one of the most important sources of income and nutrition for many families.

The two leaders explored how this financial support can be used most effectively to benefit smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Kenya’s dairy production. President Ruto highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising agriculture and creating better market opportunities for farmers. He emphasised that partnerships like this with international organisations are vital for building a stronger and more productive agricultural economy in Kenya.

The meeting in Rome comes as Kenya continues to seek reliable partners to drive growth in key sectors that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens. With the dairy industry playing such a central role in food security and rural livelihoods, the $40 million support from IFAD is expected to bring real changes on the ground. Many farmers and industry players will now look forward to seeing how the funds are rolled out and the positive impact they will have on households across the country.