This archive report was first published on 21 August 2020.
Kenya's dairy sector is bracing for the impact of milk imports as the country negotiates a new trade deal with the US. The agreement could lead to an influx of milk into the local market, threatening the livelihoods of dairy farmers.
According to Kenya Dairy Board Managing Director Margaret Kibogy, the country has a surplus of over 250 million litres of milk, and allowing imports could have a negative impact on the sector.
'We want to continue protecting this sector and as much as we want to open up trade with the US, we strongly feel that if we allow free trade of milk, this can affect our sector,' Kibogy said.
The dairy board has acknowledged the concerns of farmers and has assured them that measures will be put in place to cushion them against the impact of milk imports.
Kenya is eyeing a share of the African market for dairy products with the continental free trade area, which is set to come into effect in January following delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parts of West Africa import a significant amount of milk, with trade valued at between $13 million and $20 million due to a deficit that results in trade imbalances. This presents an opportunity for dairy farmers in the continent to exploit.
