A three per cent milk shortage has hit the market, but consumers have been urged not to panic-buy after increased demand caused stock-outs in some shops.
Kenya Dairy Board chairperson Genesio Mugo said the country still has adequate milk supplies, dismissing fears of a major shortage and assuring consumers that more milk would continue reaching the market.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mugo said the current shortfall was minimal and urged consumers to stick to their normal purchases.
“We want to send a message that the shortage is not big at all; it is minimal, and therefore there is no cause for alarm and no need for panic buying,” Mugo said.
He said panic buying had contributed to shortages on some shelves as consumers rushed to buy more milk than they normally would.
“Let us just buy the normal amount that you require, because there will be milk tomorrow,” he said.
Mugo also warned consumers against buying unpasteurised milk from hawkers and outlets that are not authorised to sell processed milk, saying such products could contain substances harmful to consumers.
He further cautioned traders who collect milk from farmers and add water, chemicals or other substances before selling it.
“We are sending a warning to you that please, that is not right, don’t do that, and if you are caught by the law, then the law will take its course,” Mugo said.
The reassurance comes as the government works to address the pressure facing dairy farmers, particularly the shortage of fodder and animal feed caused by inadequate rainfall.
Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the lack of rain had made it difficult for farmers to feed their cows, affecting milk production.
“The real issue is fodder pressure due to lack of rains, and we need to ensure that our cows do not go hungry,” Mueke said.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Mueke said the government was putting in place both immediate and long-term measures to restore milk supplies.
He said a drought mitigation meeting chaired by President William Ruto had agreed on steps to ease pressure on animal feed, including allowing yellow maize to supplement maize used in animal feeds.
Mueke said the government was also focused on ensuring dairy farmers receive better returns for their milk.
“We will ensure the farmers get the right pricing for their milk so that they do not send it informally,” he said.
He said the Kenya Dairy Board would lead efforts to monitor the movement of milk and ensure more supplies reach consumers through formal markets.