Kenyans face longer wait for milk on shelves
Kenya is facing a milk shortage due to persistent drought conditions affecting pasture and fodder, leading to reduced deliveries to processors. The government warns that the situation could worsen if the dry weather continues, though officials hope for relief from upcoming October rains.
Why it matters
The supply chain disruption highlights the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change and its direct impact on food security.
State Department for Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke (centre) with Kenya Dairy Board Chairman Genesio Mugo (left) and Kenya Dairy Processors Association (KDPA) Chairman Kenneth Gitonga address journalists on the current milk supply situation in the country at Kilimo House, Nairobi, on September 3, 2026.
Consumers in Nairobi and other urban centres face a deeper shortage of milk if the ongoing drought persists, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned.
The warning comes amid reports of dwindling milk supplies in supermarkets and retail outlets, with viral images and reports of poorly stocked shelves, raising concern among consumers over availability of one of Kenya’s most widely consumed food products.
The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), in a statement issued on September 1 2026, sought to calm the concerns, saying the country is experiencing temporary supply constraints instead of a complete milk shortage.
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