Dairy farmers in Uasin Gishu now have an alternative way to pay school fees for their children—using milk instead of money. This comes after Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Wycliffe Oparanya officially launched the Maziwa ni School Fees Program, an initiative designed to help reduce school dropouts by easing the financial burden on parents.
The program, which is currently being piloted at Tuiyo Farmers Cooperative, allows farmers in the Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) to pay school fees through milk deliveries. CS Oparanya emphasized that the initiative not only ensures uninterrupted education for children but also strengthens cooperative societies by encouraging increased milk production.
A Vision for Nationwide Expansion
Speaking during the launch, CS Oparanya expressed his hope that the initiative would eventually be adopted across the country, benefiting more dairy farmers.
“I am happy to see the Maziwa ni School Fees Program being implemented here. I would love for it to expand to dairy cooperatives across the entire country and even to other types of cooperatives,” Oparanya stated.
The program was developed under the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim and is expected to extend to more cooperatives in Uasin Gishu County in the near future.
How the Program Works
Under this initiative, participating dairy cooperatives establish direct agreements with schools. Instead of paying fees in cash, parents deliver a set amount of milk daily, which is then credited towards their children’s school fees.
The program has been automated through a digital application, making the process seamless. For instance, when a parent delivers two liters of milk to the school each day, the system automatically logs the milk as school fees payment.
At the end of the month, the total amount of milk delivered is calculated, and its market value is deducted as school fees. The cooperative chairperson then ensures that an official school fee receipt is generated and given to the parents as proof of payment.
Easing Financial Pressure on Farmers
The program has been praised for reducing financial stress among farmers who previously struggled to raise school fees. Many parents are often forced to sell livestock to afford education costs, but this initiative will help them preserve their dairy animals while still keeping their children in school.
Additionally, the county government has pledged to support farmers whose milk supply is insufficient to cover the full school fees. Through agricultural extension services, farmers will receive guidance on improving milk production, ensuring that more families can benefit from the program.
A Boost to Education and Dairy Farming
Beyond providing a solution for school fees, the Maziwa ni School Fees Program is expected to increase milk production and strengthen dairy cooperatives. With a reliable market for milk and reduced financial pressure, farmers will be encouraged to expand their dairy farming activities.
CS Oparanya applauded the schools that have partnered with the cooperative societies to make this initiative a reality. He emphasized that education should not be disrupted due to financial constraints, and this program is a step toward ensuring that every child in Uasin Gishu gets a chance to learn without interruptions.
As the pilot phase continues, stakeholders are optimistic that the Maziwa ni School Fees Program will be successfully rolled out to more parts of the country, making education more accessible for children from farming families.
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