Editor's Review
The Kenya Dairy Board has moved to reassure consumers that milk remains available in the market despite temporary supply constraints reported in some parts of the country.
The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has moved to reassure consumers that milk remains available in the market despite temporary supply constraints reported in some parts of the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, KDB Managing Director William Maritim said the Board was aware of varying levels of milk availability across the country but maintained that the situation was temporary.
"Kenya Dairy Board wishes to reassure the public, consumers and dairy industry stakeholders that milk continues to be available in the market, despite temporary supply constraints being experienced in some parts of the country," the statement read.
According to KDB, formal milk deliveries to processors declined by 3.7 per cent, falling from 84.4 million litres in June 2026 to 81.3 million litres in July 2026.
The Board is currently compiling formal milk intake data for August 2026, with preliminary indications pointing to a further decline in deliveries due to prevailing seasonal production conditions.
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KDB said its recent market surveillance had established that some parts of the country were experiencing low milk stocks and reduced availability of particular brands and pack sizes.
"Recent market surveillance undertaken by the Board has identified varying degrees of supply constraints across the country, reflected in low stock levels, reduced availability of some brands and pack sizes, and delayed replenishment in some outlets," the statement added.
KDB said pasteurised milk has generally been more affected by the supply constraints, while long-life milk, including extended shelf-life (ESL) and ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, has remained comparatively more available.
On the other hand, retail milk prices have generally remained stable, although some areas facing supply constraints have recorded upward price movements.
Maritim attributed the current milk supply challenges largely to seasonal conditions, particularly the dry and cold weather being experienced in major milk-producing regions.
"The current situation is largely associated with seasonal factors, particularly the prevailing dry and cold conditions in key milk-producing areas," the statement added.
KDB also pointed to the expected October-November-December 2026 rainfall season as a potential boost to milk production, with improved pasture and fodder availability expected to support farmers as weather conditions become more favourable.
"The outlook for the October-November-December 2026 rainfall season is expected to support recovery in pasture and fodder availability, leading to improved milk production and supply as conditions become more favourable," the statement explained.
KDB said the government is also implementing interventions aimed at increasing milk production and strengthening the resilience of the dairy value chain.
These measures include the procurement and distribution of milk coolers to improve milk aggregation and preservation, as well as support for dairy herd improvement through subsidised sexed semen.
"Government is implementing measures to strengthen milk production and the resilience of the dairy value chain. These include procurement and distribution of milk coolers to improve milk aggregation and preservation, and support for dairy herd improvement through subsidised sexed semen. These interventions, among others, will contribute to increased production and more stable milk supplies over time," the statement further read.
KDB said it would continue monitoring developments across the dairy sector, including production levels, formal milk deliveries, market availability and retail prices, while working with industry stakeholders to maintain continuity of supply.
Maritim said consumers and other dairy industry stakeholders should not be alarmed by the current shortages, describing the situation as temporary.
"KDB continues to monitor milk production, formal milk deliveries, market availability and retail prices and is working with industry stakeholders to support continuity of supply.
"Consumers and stakeholders are therefore reassured that the current situation is temporary. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Board will continue to support measures aimed at ensuring adequate and stable milk supplies," the statement concluded.
This comes weeks after the government announced plans to import 25 million 90-kilogram bags of maize to cushion the country against an anticipated shortage following reduced production in key maize-growing areas.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 19, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the imports are part of measures already being put in place to maintain adequate food supplies.
He explained that Kenya consumes an estimated 75 million bags of maize every year.
However, poor harvests in several major food-producing regions are projected to leave the country with a deficit of about 25 million bags.
Kagwe assured Kenyans that the government was prepared to manage the situation and maintain stable food supplies despite the expected shortfall.
"We will import maize. We have already made arrangements for that. We will manage the country. The country is not going to go hungry," he said.
Kagwe said the maize imports would provide an immediate response to the projected deficit, while the government continues to pursue measures designed to increase domestic agricultural production over the long term.
