Kenyans are feeling the effects of a growing milk supply squeeze, with some supermarkets reporting low stocks, rationing purchases and higher prices in areas where supplies have become tight.

The situation has been linked largely to prolonged dry and cold weather, which has reduced pasture and fodder available to dairy farmers. According to the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), formal milk deliveries to processors fell by 3.7 per cent, from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July 2026. The Board also said preliminary indications pointed to a further decline in August.

The Kenya News Agency (KNA) reported that the shortage has become particularly noticeable in some markets. In Kisumu, for example, KNA reported that the price of a half-litre packet of popular milk brands had risen from about KSh50 to KSh60 as consumers struggled to find supplies.

The Star also reported on September 9 that some supermarkets and retail outlets in Nairobi had begun rationing milk purchases. Some wholesalers were limiting customers to five packets, while long-life milk was selling at between KSh54 and KSh65 and some available fresh milk brands were retailing at between KSh61 and KSh65.

The pressure is not only being felt by consumers. Dairy farmers are also facing difficult production conditions as pasture becomes scarce and the cost of animal feed rises. The EastAfrican has reported that commercial feed costs have increased significantly, adding to the financial pressure facing dairy farmers at a time when milk yields are falling.

The government has acknowledged the seriousness of the supply gap. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, according to the Kenya News Agency, attributed the instability in the dairy sector to erratic rainfall, inadequate pasture and competition from brokers offering farmers higher prices for their milk.

Kenya has also turned to neighbouring countries to bridge the immediate supply gap. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui confirmed, as reported by Citizen Digital and People Daily, that Kenya is currently importing milk from neighbouring countries, including Uganda, because local production is not enough to meet domestic demand.

Kinyanjui said the long-term solution should be to strengthen local dairy production and support farmers so that Kenya can meet its own demand instead of relying on imports.

For ordinary consumers, however, the immediate concern remains the availability and price of milk. With some outlets already reporting empty shelves and higher prices, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether additional imports and improving weather conditions will help restore normal supplies.

The Kenya Dairy Board has maintained that the current situation is temporary and expects milk production to improve once the October-November-December rainfall season restores pasture and fodder in key dairy-producing areas.