The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has confirmed temporary milk supply constraints in some parts of the country, with reduced availability of some brands and pack sizes reported in several outlets.In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, KDB reassured consumers that milk remains available in the market despite the supply challenges."Kenya Dairy Board wishes to reassure the public, consumers and dairy industry stakeholders that milk continues to be available in the market, despite temporary supply constraints being experienced in some parts of the country," stated board Managing Director Dr William Maritim.The Board said formal milk deliveries to processors declined by 3.7 per cent, falling from 84.4 million litres in June 2026 to 81.3 million litres in July 2026, with KDB currently compiling formal milk intake data for August.However, despite the decline, in July, the Board maintains that preliminary indications pointed to a further decline in milk deliveries."Formal milk deliveries to processors declined by 3.7 per cent from 84.4 million litres in June 2026 to 81.3 million litres in July 2026. The Board is currently compiling formal milk intake data for August 2026. Preliminary indications suggest a further decline in milk deliveries, reflecting the prevailing seasonal production conditions," he added.According to KDB, Recent market surveillance undertaken by the Board has identified varying degrees of supply constraints across the country.The shortages have been reflected in low stock levels, reduced availability of some brands and pack sizes, and delayed replenishment in some retail outlets.KDB further revealed that pasteurised milk has been the most affected, while long-life milk, including ESL and UHT products, has remained comparatively more available.It attributed the current milk supply constraints largely to seasonal factors, particularly the prevailing dry and cold conditions in key milk-producing areas, a condition it says affected pasture and fodder availability, consequently putting pressure on milk production.When the milk supply is expected to improve, KDB expects the situation to ease as the country enters the October-November-December (OND) 2026 rainfall season.The Board said improved rainfall is expected to restore pasture and fodder availability, which would support increased milk production and eventually improve supplies.“The outlook for the October-November-December 2026 rainfall season is expected to support recovery in pasture and fodder availability, leading to improved milk production and supply as conditions become more favourable,” the Board said.The move comes even as farmers lament reduced milk production from cows, calling on the government to intervene.According to the board, the government is implementing measures aimed at increasing milk production and strengthening the dairy value chain, with interventions including the procurement and distribution of milk coolers to improve milk aggregation and preservation already underway.The government is also supporting dairy herd improvement through subsidised sexed semen, an intervention intended to improve the quality and productivity of dairy herds.
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