Milk shortage: PS Mueke warns co-operatives over poor payment to dairy farmers

Kenya's livestock principal secretary, Jonathan Mueke, has cautioned dairy co-operatives against low payments to farmers, warning it could worsen the country's ongoing milk shortage. Mueke made the remarks on September 19, 2026, while handing over 12 bulk milk coolers worth Ksh87.94 million to co-operatives at KALRO Seeds headquarters in Gatanga, Murang'a County.

The coolers are designed to benefit over 18,500 dairy farmers and increase daily milk aggregation by about 37,000 litres. They aim to reduce post-harvest losses and boost farmers' incomes. However, Mueke noted that the sustainability of the dairy sector also depends on how farmers are compensated by co-operatives. He acknowledged a milk shortage due to the recent drought affecting fodder availability and milk production.

Farmers are also grappling with inadequate returns from milk sales, considering leaving the dairy business or selling to the informal market for better prices. Mueke urged co-operatives to ensure farmers receive decent returns, enabling them to reinvest in their farms. He emphasized the critical relationship between farmers and co-operatives in maintaining a reliable milk supply.

Kenya's milk supplies have been under pressure, with formal deliveries to processors falling by 3.7% from June to July 2026, largely due to seasonal conditions and fodder shortages. The government plans to distribute an additional 650 coolers by January 2027 to enhance milk storage and support farmers.