• Milk supply in Kenya has fallen by 3.7% as drought affects animal feed, prompting government measures to support farmers and stabilise milk prices.

Government Moves to Address Falling Milk Supply in Kenya as Drought Hits Country's Dairy Sector

The Government has stepped up efforts to address declining milk production after prolonged drought conditions reduced fodder and animal feed supplies across the country.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, said the Government is working with dairy processors to restore milk supplies to adequate levels while ensuring farmers receive fair prices and consumers continue to access milk at reasonable prices.

Mr. Mueke held discussions with the Association of Dairy Processors in Kenya as the dairy industry responds to a decline in milk production recorded between June and July.

According to the Principal Secretary, milk production fell by 3.7 percent during the period, with prolonged drought placing pressure on fodder availability and increasing the cost of animal feeds.

The decline has affected the entire dairy value chain, from farmers and processors to consumers. Lower milk production reduces the volumes available to processors while increasing pressure on milk prices and household food budgets.

The Government’s immediate response will focus on increasing access to animal feeds and supporting farmers affected by the shortage of fodder.

One of the measures under consideration is the facilitation of duty-free importation of yellow maize for animal feed production. The move is expected to increase the availability of feed ingredients and ease pressure on farmers facing higher feeding costs.

The Government also plans to strengthen monitoring of the milk market to improve transparency across the dairy value chain and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their milk.

Mr. Mueke said discussions with dairy processors are aimed at finding practical measures to restore milk supplies to the market while addressing challenges affecting producers.

The Government is also considering longer-term measures to reduce the impact of recurring fluctuations in milk production.

Among the proposals is the establishment of a milk stabilisation mechanism designed to help manage periods of both surplus and shortage.

Such a system would seek to reduce the sharp price and supply changes experienced during different production seasons. It would also provide greater predictability for farmers and processors while helping maintain a steady supply of milk to consumers.

The current situation highlights the vulnerability of Kenya’s dairy industry to prolonged dry weather. Reduced rainfall affects pasture and fodder production, forcing farmers to rely more heavily on purchased feeds.

Higher feeding costs put pressure on farm margins, particularly among smallholder dairy farmers who depend on milk sales for regular household income.

The Government says increasing access to affordable feed will therefore remain a key part of its response as the country works to restore milk production.

The engagement with dairy processors also points to the importance of closer coordination between Government, farmers, cooperatives and processors in managing disruptions within the dairy value chain.

Kenya’s dairy industry supports millions of livelihoods and supplies a major share of the country’s domestic milk demand. Maintaining stable production is therefore important for farmer incomes, food security and consumer access to affordable dairy products.

The Government said it remains committed to supporting dairy farmers, stabilising milk supplies and protecting consumers as the sector responds to the effects of drought.

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