How Kenya Plans to Stop Milk Shortages and Keep Prices Stable

The government is taking measures to address a recent decline in milk supplies and maintain stable prices, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has said.

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the decline in production was linked to limited rainfall and pressure on fodder supplies. He said the ministry was monitoring the situation closely, with milk production being tracked daily to allow for swift action.

The government plans to work with animal feed manufacturers to identify available stocks across the country and distribute them to farmers through cooperatives and dairy processors. Duty-free imports of yellow maize, approved by President William Ruto, are also expected to support animal feed production. The measure is expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks.

Mueke said the government could also allow temporary imports of milk from neighbouring countries if local production does not recover quickly. Meanwhile, the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) is strengthening oversight of production, distribution and pricing to ensure farmers receive fair returns and to curb informal trading practices affecting the sector.

The measures follow a 3.7 percent decline in formal milk deliveries to processors between June and July. Deliveries fell from 84.4 million litres to 81.3 million litres during the period.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has called for a transparent recovery plan and warned that prolonged shortages could lead to higher milk prices. Kenya Dairy Processors Association Chair Kenneth Gitonga said processors were committed to maintaining current prices and described the disruption as temporary. 

He said supplies were expected to improve with the October–December rains, which typically increase milk production. The ministry is also considering longer-term measures to reduce the impact of seasonal fluctuations. These include establishing a fund to purchase surplus milk during periods of high production and release it during lean periods.

Mueke said the government was also working to strengthen dairy cooperatives, improve breeding practices and increase access to milk coolers. The measures are intended to improve the sector's ability to maintain stable supplies throughout the year.