Milk prices soar in Kenya as drought takes toll

KENYA – The price of fresh milk in Kenyan Kapenguria Town has surged as the ongoing drought in West Pokot County continues to impact supply. 

Vendors who previously filled the selling points in town have significantly reduced, with many struggling to source enough milk for their businesses.

A report by local vendors indicates that a cup of fresh milk, which was previously sold at Sh20, is now retailing at Sh30 or Sh35, a sharp increase attributed to the prolonged dry spell. 

A spot-check at various milk retail outlets confirmed the price hike, with vendors citing reduced milk production among farmers.

According to residents, the low supply has been sudden, coinciding with the intensifying heat this month.

Many farmers rely on natural pastures to feed their livestock, but with the dry conditions worsening, milk yields have dwindled. 

“It seems most of the milk suppliers depend on natural pastures to feed their cows hence the sharp reduction in milk production,” reported Andrew Pkemoi, a local resident.

The situation has forced residents to seek alternative dietary options as they anticipate rainfall.

Reports by meteorological experts indicate that long rains are expected in the third week of March, leaving farmers and livestock keepers worried about the prolonged dry conditions. 

“This means that our animals are going to suffer hence progressive low milk production. Most farmers still depend on the traditional forage system with no planned feeding programmes for their livestock hence the inconsistency in milk production,” stated Pkemoi.

The milk shortage has also affected the availability of fermented milk, commonly known as mursik, as vendors struggle to find enough supply. 

Some traders have relied on fermentation as a way to add value to fresh milk, with a cup of sour milk fetching Sh15 more than fresh milk. 

The shortage has disrupted this practice, limiting opportunities for vendors to maximize profits.

Consumers, meanwhile, continue to prefer fresh milk over processed alternatives, citing its affordability and versatility. 

Fresh milk is widely used for making traditional dairy products, including cream for cooking, which is not possible with pasteurized milk available in supermarkets.

In a separate development, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has launched the BENNI Foods factory in Kiruhura District, an investment expected to support the region’s dairy industry.

A report by government officials indicates that the plant will help address the challenge of excess milk production in the area while creating employment opportunities for locals. 

The factory, located along Kaguta Road, will focus on processing dairy products to enhance market access for farmers.

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