State vows to restore normalcy as Kenya’s milk shortage bites
The Kenyan government is implementing measures to address a national milk shortage caused by drought-related fodder scarcity. Strategies include allowing the import of yellow maize for animal feed and monitoring milk distribution to ensure fair pricing for farmers.
Why it matters
Food security and the stability of the dairy industry are critical to Kenya's economy and the livelihoods of its rural population.
Kenya’s milk shortage has been linked to declining fodder supplies as inadequate rainfall leaves dairy farmers struggling to feed their cows, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke has said.
Mueke said the government was working on immediate and long-term measures to restore milk supplies and protect farmers from losses caused by the changing seasons.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Mueke said the priority was to ensure dairy farmers had enough feed to keep their cows producing milk.
“The real issue is fodder pressure due to lack of rains, and we need to ensure that our cows do not go hungry,” Mueke said.
He said the government had agreed on measures to ease pressure on animal feed following a drought mitigation meeting chaired by President William Ruto.
Among the measures is allowing yellow maize to supplement the supply of maize used in animal feeds.
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