Kenyans are facing temporary disruptions in milk supplies, with some supermarkets and retail outlets reporting empty or sparsely stocked shelves as consumers rush to secure supplies.


The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), however, has urged consumers to remain calm, saying the current shortage is minimal and estimated at about 3 per cent. The Board says panic buying has contributed to some of the stock-outs being witnessed in shops.


The shortage has largely been linked to prolonged dry conditions and reduced availability of animal fodder, which have affected dairy production. Formal milk deliveries to processors fell from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July, representing a 3.7 per cent decline.


Government unveils measures

The government has announced several interventions aimed at restoring milk production and stabilising supplies.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the government is working with animal-feed manufacturers to identify available stocks and make them accessible to farmers through cooperatives.

The government is also preparing to allow the duty-free importation of yellow maize for animal feed, a move expected to increase feed availability and help reduce production costs for dairy farmers.


Authorities are also focusing on ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their milk, with concerns that poor returns could push farmers towards informal markets and reduce supplies reaching processors.


Consumers urged not to panic

KDB Chairperson Genesio Mugo has urged Kenyans to purchase only what they normally need rather than stockpiling milk.


The Board has also warned consumers against purchasing unpasteurised milk from unregulated traders, citing concerns over possible adulteration and food safety.

The government is further considering a longer-term milk stabilisation mechanism, which could involve purchasing excess milk during periods of high production, processing it into powder and storing it for use during future shortages.


Dairy industry officials expect supplies to improve as rainfall returns and pasture and fodder availability recover.


For now, authorities are calling on Kenyans to avoid panic buying while the government and dairy industry work to restore normal supplies.