President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce improved camel and buffalo breeds in Kenya as part of the government's strategy to address the problem of milk shortage.Speaking during the Agriculture and Food Security Summit at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on Friday, October 9, Ruto said the government would diversify milk production by exploring alternative sources beyond usual dairy cattle.The President said he had directed Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to facilitate the importation of improved camel breeds and buffaloes to increase the country's milk supply.While expressing interest in introducing buffaloes for dairy production in the country, he cited India as an example of a country where the animals are milked commercially.“I had directed the Agriculture PS to help us bring in a better breed of camel and bring another buffalo breed. Buffaloes also produce a lot of milk. In India there are buffaloes,” said Ruto.“There is no problem in that. So PS Mueke, do as we had agreed. Bring in buffalo and also bring in a better breed of camel because we need to diversify our milk sources,” he added.Ruto argued that camels could offer an alternative source of milk, noting that the commodity was selling at higher prices than cow's milk in Nairobi.“Here in Nairobi, the camel's milk is about Ksh190 and is selling at almost Ksh200, beating cow's milk three times. We need to start thinking,” Ruto said.The President maintained that the proposed imports would help Kenya expand its milk production options at a time when drought conditions have affected supply.“Currently, we have a slight shortage of milk due to drought. Camels have more milk than cows. We will ensure we bring in a better breed,” Ruto stated.His remarks come amid concerns over declining milk deliveries to processors, with formal deliveries falling from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July 2026, followed by further declines into August and September.The supply challenge has coincided with higher prices, with fresh milk in major urban centres, including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, reportedly selling at between Ksh75 and Ksh80 for a 500ml packet, up from around Ksh60 to Ksh70.The shortage has also affected the supply chain, with some farmers reportedly selling raw milk directly to neighbourhood buyers and brokers rather than through formal cooperatives.
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