Kenya faces temporary milk supply constraints as deliveries to processors fall

The Kenya Dairy Board has issued a reassurance to consumers that milk is still available in the market despite temporary supply issues in certain regions. Formal milk deliveries to processors dropped by 3.7% from June to July 2026, falling from 84.4 million liters to 81.3 million liters. The Board is currently calculating July's milk intake figures, with early signs suggesting a further decrease due to seasonal production conditions.

Market checks revealed low milk stocks, limited availability of certain brands and pack sizes, and delayed restocking in some stores. Pasteurized milk has been the hardest hit, while electrolyzed liquid (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) long-life milk remain relatively more accessible. Retail milk prices have largely stayed steady, though there have been some regional price hikes.

The Board attributes the supply issues mainly to seasonal factors, such as dry and cold weather in key milk-producing areas, which have impacted pasture and fodder availability. However, the situation might improve during the October-November-December 2026 rainy season, as better weather is expected to enhance pasture and fodder availability and stimulate milk production recovery.

The government is taking steps to bolster the dairy value chain, including procuring and distributing milk coolers to enhance milk aggregation and preservation, and providing subsidies for sexed semen to improve dairy herd quality. KDB's Managing Director, Dr. William Maritim, said the Board is still tracking milk production, processor deliveries, market availability, and retail prices while collaborating with industry partners to ensure a steady supply.

The Board maintains that these supply constraints are temporary and that the measures they're implementing should lead to higher production and more consistent milk supplies.