Milk shortages are impacting consumers across Kenya, leading to rising prices and concerns about affordability. Shoppers in Nairobi supermarkets are reporting empty shelves and a significant increase in the cost of milk.
"Sometimes when I go to the supermarket I find there is none. When I do find some, the price has gone up. Today it is this price, tomorrow it has gone up again," said Bernard Abok, a shopper who described his struggles to find milk after work. Another consumer, Patricia Gathoni, noted that the rising costs are forcing difficult choices, including watering down the milk she manages to purchase to make it last longer.
In response to the growing concerns, officials from Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture met with the Association of Dairy Processors. The ministry has pledged support for farmers, aiming to stabilize milk supply and protect consumers from further price hikes. Jonathan Mueke, a senior official in livestock development, stated that the immediate priority is ensuring farmers have adequate feed, including considering duty-free importation of yellow maize. The ministry is also exploring long-term strategies to manage fluctuations between periods of milk surplus and shortage.
Discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a fund to assist in milk preservation during surplus periods. This initiative aims to address a long-standing issue where farmers often face low prices for their perishable produce due to limited processing and storage capacities. The government is also investigating the possibility of temporarily importing milk from neighboring countries to alleviate the current shortage.
These measures are intended to provide relief to the market and ensure a more consistent supply for consumers, particularly for those who rely on milk for daily consumption, including as a staple for beverages like chai tea.