State says milk shortage will ease after rains

The Kenya Dairy Board has said the current milk supply shortage in some parts of the country is temporary and is expected to improve once rains return.

The board said dry and cold weather in key dairy regions has reduced pasture and fodder, affecting milk production. According to KDB Managing Director William Maritim, formal milk deliveries to processors fell by 3.7 per cent between June and July 2026. Deliveries dropped from 84.4 million litres to 81.3 million litres.

Data for August is still being compiled, but early signs show a further decline in supply. “Pasteurised milk has generally been more affected, while long-life milk (ESL and UHT) remains comparatively more available,” Maritim said.

The reduced supply has led to low milk stocks in some shops, fewer brands and pack sizes, and delays in restocking. KDB said prices have generally stayed stable, although some areas with tight supplies have recorded small increases.

Some supermarkets and retailers in Nairobi have started rationing milk. In some outlets, customers can only buy one litre from dispensers, while some wholesalers are limiting packaged milk purchases to fewer than five packets instead of a carton.

The board said production should recover during the October, November and December rains as pasture and fodder conditions improve. “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 board stated.

The government is also working to strengthen the dairy sector by distributing milk coolers to improve collection and preservation. It is also supporting dairy herd improvement through subsidised sexed semen. “Consumers and stakeholders are therefore reassured that the current situation is temporary,” Maritim said.

He said KDB will keep monitoring production, processor deliveries, milk availability and retail prices while working with industry players to maintain supply.