This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the country, milk production in Kenya has taken a sharp decline. According to the Kenya Dairy Board, production has dropped from 60 million litres in January to 54 million litres at the end of March.
The decline was largely attributed to the onset of the planting season, which reduced the available grazing fields for animals. This, in turn, led to a decrease in milk production.
"We've witnessed a decline in production since January, but we expect the volumes to rebound this month," said KDB managing director Margret Kibogy.
However, Ms Kibogy noted that production would decline again between June and July, citing the usual cold period that affects animals.
Despite the decline in production, the regulator has reported high demand for long-life products, with processors releasing most stocks to meet the surge in demand.
Consumer prices are unlikely to rise due to a decline in demand for fresh milk, which is highly consumed when schools are in session and restaurants are operational. However, schools were closed in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and eateries were also shut down to curb the spread of the virus.
With the government allowing partial reopening of eateries under strict conditions, consumer milk prices have remained relatively low, with a half-litre of long-life retailing at Sh50. The decline in production will see producers continue enjoying good prices, with a litre rising to a high of Sh38, which New KCC and Brookside are paying farmers.
