Key facts
- Kenya is facing a widespread milk shortage, impacting the availability of chai tea.
- The drought has significantly reduced pasture, leading to lower milk production.
- Retailers have raised prices and implemented purchase limits for milk.
- Formal milk deliveries to processors have declined since July.
- Consumer groups criticize the dairy sector's management of surplus milk from the previous year.
- The government is considering duty-free importation of animal feed and temporary milk imports.
Kenyans are facing a significant milk shortage, impacting the beloved national drink, chai tea. The scarcity has led to nearly empty supermarket shelves, increased prices, and purchase limits.
The government attributes the dearth of milk to a severe drought that has reduced pasture and hampered production. However, the country's industry regulator has acknowledged "supply constraints" and "low stock levels."
Restaurant owner Muthoni Macharia noted shortages for about a week, affecting her morning business as customers seek their usual milky chai. She expressed concern over the loss of business when milk is unavailable.
According to the Kenya Dairy Board, formal milk deliveries to processors fell by 3.7% from June to July, with further declines suggested for August. The Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) points to delayed seasonal rains reducing grazing land and a 45% increase in animal feed costs as primary causes. Cofek stated the shortage was foreseeable and avoidable, criticizing the dairy sector for not adequately absorbing and processing surplus milk last year, which could have provided a buffer.
Fresh milk prices have risen from 70-80 Kenyan shillings ($0.54-$0.62) per litre. Customers like Bernard Abok and Patricia Gathoni are worried about the escalating costs, with some resorting to adding water to milk.
In response, agriculture ministry officials met with dairy processors. The ministry committed to supporting farmers, stabilizing milk supply, and protecting consumers, including plans for duty-free importation of yellow maize for animal feed and exploring long-term solutions for supply stability. The government is also considering temporary milk imports from neighboring countries.