Kenya’s chai tea lovers are not happy as the nation’s cows run dry

Kenyans are accustomed to their daily milky tea, or chai, a staple that accompanies many a breakfast and social gathering. However, a recent milk shortage is casting a shadow over this beloved beverage. Chai, a milky tea often flavored with ginger and spices, is a ubiquitous presence in Kenyan culture, enjoyed multiple times daily.

But now, some may find themselves without their beloved cup of tea, as supermarket chilled sections are nearly empty. Retailers have hiked prices and imposed limits on purchases. The government attributes this milk shortage to drought, which has significantly reduced pastureland and production. Retailer Muthoni Macharia, who owns a restaurant in Nairobi, has been struggling to find enough milk to serve her customers.

She has been searching for packets of fresh milk for days, desperate to ensure her customers can enjoy their chai. The milk shortage has sparked public concern, with some people even promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about supermarkets intentionally profiting from the crisis. The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), the government body overseeing the dairy sector, reports a 3.7% decline in formal milk deliveries to processors, with preliminary investigations suggesting further declines in August.

The Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has expressed worry over the rationing and rising costs, with fresh milk prices increasing from 70 to 80 Kenyan shillings ($0.54 to $0.62; £0.40 to £0.46) per litre. Cofek has called for a recovery plan, including fodder and subsidy support for farmers, as well as active retail price monitoring to deter price gouging.

The agriculture ministry is working on a plan to support farmers, stabilize milk supply, and protect consumers, including duty-free importation of yellow maize and the possibility of temporarily importing milk from neighboring countries.