Kenya Dairy Board Confirms Milk Supply Constraints, Says Shortage Is Temporary

Kenya Dairy Board Confirms Milk Supply Constraints, Says Shortage Is Temporary

The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has confirmed temporary milk supply constraints in parts of the country, following reduced deliveries to processors and lower availability of some milk brands and pack sizes in retail outlets.

The Board, however, has moved to reassure consumers that Kenya is not facing a complete milk shortage, saying milk products remain available despite the supply challenges.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, KDB Managing Director Dr William Maritim attributed the situation largely to seasonal production conditions affecting major milk-producing areas.

“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.”

According to KDB, formal milk deliveries to processors dropped by 3.7 per cent between June and July 2026. Deliveries fell from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July.

The Board said it was still compiling formal milk intake figures for August, although preliminary information suggested that supplies could have declined further.

“Formal milk deliveries to processors declined by 3.7 per cent 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.”

KDB said the decline was linked to prevailing seasonal conditions, particularly dry and cold weather in several key dairy-producing regions.

The conditions have affected pasture and fodder availability, putting pressure on farmers and reducing milk production.

Pasteurised milk most affected

Recent market surveillance by KDB found varying levels of milk supply constraints across the country.

Some retail outlets have reported low stocks, reduced availability of particular brands and pack sizes, as well as delays in replenishing supplies.

Pasteurised milk has reportedly been the most affected product.

However, KDB said long-life milk products, including extended shelf-life (ESL) and ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, have remained comparatively more available.

The Board said the situation is expected to improve once weather conditions become more favourable.

Milk supply expected to improve

KDB expects the October-November-December (OND) 2026 rainfall season to improve pasture and fodder availability in milk-producing areas.

Improved grazing conditions could help farmers increase production and restore supplies to processors and retailers.

“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 announcement comes amid concerns from dairy farmers over declining milk production and calls for government intervention to support the sector.

The government has been implementing measures aimed at increasing milk production and strengthening Kenya’s dairy value chain.

Among the interventions is the procurement and distribution of milk coolers designed to improve milk aggregation, storage and preservation.

The government is also supporting dairy herd improvement through subsidised sexed semen. The programme is intended to improve the quality and productivity of dairy herds over time.

KDB’s latest assessment suggests that the current milk supply constraints are seasonal rather than a permanent disruption to the dairy market.

Consumers are therefore expected to continue accessing milk products, although availability of some pasteurised brands and pack sizes may remain uneven in the short term.

The Board said it will continue monitoring the market and milk deliveries as it assesses the impact of changing weather conditions on national milk production and supply.

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Kenya Dairy Board Confirms Milk Supply Constraints, Says Shortage Is Temporary