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.

📋 Breaking It Down

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.

📌 What You Need to Know

The regulator attributed the situation to seasonal dry and cold weather in key milk-producing areas, which has reduced pasture and fodder available to dairy cattle.

According to the government, formal milk deliveries to processors declined by 3.7 per cent, from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July 2026. Preliminary data also points to a further decline in deliveries in August as the dry and cold conditions persisted.

The impact has been more pronounced on pasteurized fresh milk than long-life varieties, resulting in low stocks and rationing in some supermarkets.

Packets of milk on display at a Naivas Supermarket outlet in Nairobi.

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The KDB said the situation is expected to improve once the October rains begin and pasture and water availability improve in the milk-producing areas.

📰 Source: Nation Africa