Kenya Dairy Board admits milk supply constraints, blames seasonal dry spell

The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has acknowledged temporary milk supply constraints in parts of the country, even as it moved to reassure consumers that the shortage is seasonal and not a sign of a deeper crisis in the dairy sector. The statement comes a day after the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) raised the alarm over growing milk shortages, with some consumers reporting rationing and higher prices. COFEK had called on the Ministry of Agriculture, KDB and the National Treasury to take immediate measures to restore normal supplies and prices. In a statement on Tuesday, the regulator said its latest market surveillance found low stocks, reduced availability of some brands and pack sizes and delays in restocking some outlets. It added that pasteurised milk has been more affected, while long-life varieties such as ESL and UHT remain more readily available.