Chief Officer for Livestock Development and Fisheries Nixon Cheplong has issued a rallying call to members of the Kaplesa Farmers Cooperative Society to operationalize their milk cooler and tap into key government-backed initiatives, including the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

Addressing farmers during an engagement meeting in Ziwa Ward, Cheplong emphasized the county administration’s broader vision led by Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii to establish model cooperatives in every ward.

“For us to benefit from these government programs, the cooler must be up and running because the governor is committed to ensuring each ward thrives through cooperative development, and Kaplesa must not be left behind,” said Cheplong.

Accompanied by Ziwa Ward MCA Hon. Ezekiel Kodi, Cheplong also urged cooperative leaders to foster trust among members, noting that transparency and integrity are vital in helping farmers collectively market their milk and increase earnings.

Hon. Kodi lauded the Chief Officer’s efforts and echoed the call to action. “The cooler is your tool to access bigger markets and government support and reviving it is not just a request it’s an opportunity,” Kodi said.

Echoing the duo, County Directors Kipleting Mengich (Cooperatives) and Abraham Kiptanui (Livestock) encouraged farmers to take ownership of the project.

“This is your initiative, and if you unite and support it, you will see it transform your livelihoods,” they said.