Kenya's dairy industry is under severe pressure as livestock feed prices have doubled over the past two years, forcing 50% of feed manufacturers to shut down or scale back operations, according to John Gathogo, chairman of the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers.
Gathogo warned that rising feed costs threaten milk production, with farmers reducing herd sizes and feed rations. A 2022 survey revealed dairy feed now sells for Sh3,000 per bag—up from Sh1,800 during the 2020 pandemic when hotels and schools, major buyers, closed.
The price surge stems from inflated raw material costs in neighboring countries, Gathogo said. He urged the government to lift the 2012 ban on genetically modified (GMO) crops, arguing that GMO soy and yellow maize could cut feed costs by 20% and alleviate food insecurity.
Naiposha Dairy Farm owner Martin Gatheca reduced his herd from 140 to 56 cows due to feed expenses. His wife, Njeri Gatheca, noted feed costs have risen 50% in two years, forcing ration cuts from 7kg to 2kg per cow. This has impacted milk output and affected poultry and pig farmers as well.
Both Gathogos emphasized that government subsidies for GMO crops, common in countries like Rwanda, could revive the sector. 'Only GMOs offer cheap, disease-free raw materials,' Njeri said, citing global agricultural practices.
