Gachagua Mocks Ruto’s Proposal to Import Buffaloes for Milk
Gachagua has criticised Ruto’s proposal to import water buffaloes from India to boost milk supply, questioning why the government is exploring alternative dairy animals instead of increasing the number of cows.
Nairobi, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized President William Ruto's proposal to import buffaloes for milk, dismissing it as an inadequate solution to Kenya's milk shortage. Gachagua argued that the government should focus on expanding the dairy cow population and addressing existing farmer challenges rather than importing buffaloes from India.
"I heard Ruto yesterday saying that there is no milk and that he will consult with his government on how to bring buffaloes from India so that people can milk them. Is he taking us for fools?" Gachagua questioned. He also pointed out that buffaloes may not be as efficient in milk production as cows. Ruto's proposal aimed to diversify Kenya's milk supply by exploring improved buffalo and camel breeds, as the dairy sector faces declining deliveries and rising prices.
The President instructed the Livestock Development Principal Secretary to explore importing the animals. Ruto also highlighted the potential of camel milk, which could fetch higher prices in urban markets. The move to introduce buffaloes is not new; in January 2025, the government recognized domesticated water buffalo as a food animal, but this did not establish a commercial dairy industry or authorize unrestricted importation, rearing, slaughter, or sale of the animals.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
