Why Your Morning Tea is Getting Expensive as Milk Disappears From Supermarkets

If you have gone to buy milk in Nairobi in the last few days and found empty shelves, you are not alone. Many supermarkets are now rationing milk and Kenyans are paying more for the little that is available.

Retailers in Nairobi are limiting customers to one litre from dispensers while some wholesalers are only allowing five packets per person. You can no longer walk in and buy a full carton like before. Long-life milk is now selling between KSh 54 and KSh 65, fresh milk between KSh 61 and KSh 65, and in some dairy centres like Waithaka, a litre has hit KSh 80 from KSh 70.

The shortage is being linked to the prolonged dry spell that has hit many parts of the country. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that formal milk intake fell from 88.89 million litres in May 2026 to 84.44 million litres in June, which is 6.4% lower than June last year. Total intake from January to June is also down compared to 2025.

Consumers Federation of Kenya Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro says smallholder farmers who produce 80% of Kenya's milk are the hardest hit. Pasture has dried up and water is scarce. In many ASAL counties, milk production is below normal. Farmers who used to get seven to nine litres per cow are now getting four to five litres.

Andrew Mbogo, a farmer in Narumoru, Nyeri, said his production has dropped by half. His two cows normally give him 20 litres a day, but the napier grass is almost finished and he fears it could get worse if rains delay. He relies on milk to repay loans.

In Kajiado, herders in Oloitoktok are paying KSh 300 per cow every month to graze in Taita Taveta ranches.

Processors are also to blame. Kieni Dairy CEO Solomon Maina says high fuel costs are forcing processors to cut production of fresh pasteurised milk and focus on yoghurt, cheese and ice cream which bring more profit. He also said farmers are now selling more milk in the informal market where they are paid KSh 70 to KSh 80 per litre instantly, instead of waiting for delayed payments from processors.

Stakeholders now want the Ministry of Agriculture to release emergency fodder and the Treasury to remove taxes on animal feeds like yellow maize and soya to save farmers.