Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, CS Mutahi Kagwe, acknowledged a nationwide milk shortage, citing supply chain disruptions and seasonal challenges as primary causes. The issue, he stated, has affected both urban and rural areas, with consumers reporting reduced availability and rising prices. Kagwe emphasized that the government is collaborating with dairy farmers and distributors to stabilize the market, though no immediate solutions were announced. 'We are working closely with stakeholders to address the bottlenecks in the supply chain,' he said in a press briefing on [date].
The shortage has sparked public concern, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa, where supermarkets and local vendors have reported inconsistent stock. Farmers in regions like Nakuru and Kiambu, major dairy-producing areas, have also expressed frustration over delayed milk collection and transportation. Kagwe noted that the problem is exacerbated by heavy rains, which have damaged roads and delayed the movement of milk from farms to processing plants. 'The weather has disrupted our logistics, but we are exploring alternative routes and partnerships to mitigate the impact,' he added.
Public health officials have warned that the shortage could disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations, who rely on milk as a key source of nutrition. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported a 12% increase in milk prices over the past month, raising fears of inflationary pressures. Kagwe reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring food security, stating that emergency measures are being considered to support both producers and consumers. 'We are prioritizing the needs of the people, and this issue is at the top of our agenda,' he said.
The crisis has also drawn scrutiny of the dairy sector's infrastructure, with calls for long-term investments in storage and transportation. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for its handling of the situation, while industry experts urge a more transparent dialogue between policymakers and farmers. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await further updates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on potential interventions to resolve the shortage.