This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
Kenya's milk production has reached a seven-year high, with the country producing 443 million litres in the first eight months of 2019, a nine percent increase from the same period last year.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the rise in production defied a spell of drought that hit the country in the first quarter of the year, which significantly cut production and led to higher consumer prices.
Despite the drought, the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) attributes the increase in milk production to the rains that started in May and continued until October, with the weatherman forecasting more showers in the coming weeks.
“Rains have played an important role in increasing forage in the fields and this is what has helped to raise the volumes,” says KDB.
The regulator noted that the country had suffered one of the worst droughts in years, which prolonged for more months than anticipated. The start of long rains this year was delayed by two months, with precipitation starting in May instead of March as forecasted.
Following the good rains, KDB managing director Margret Kibogy said the sector has now recovered, with improved volumes in the sector.
“We are now witnessing improved volumes in the sector following the rains that started in May,” said Ms Kibogy.
