Ruto Orders Search for Dairy Buffaloes to Address Kenya’s Milk Shortage

President William Ruto has directed the government to explore buffalo and improved camel breeds as part of efforts to increase milk production amid a shortage linked to drought.

Speaking on Friday, October 9, Ruto said Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke had been tasked with identifying suitable breeds that could help increase the country’s milk supply.

Government Eyes Buffalo Milk Production

Ruto said buffaloes were reported to produce substantial quantities of milk and pointed to India, where buffalo milk is widely consumed, as an example of a market Kenya could study.

He said the government wanted to begin with small samples to establish whether buffalo milk production would be practical in the country before considering wider adoption.

The proposal comes as the government seeks alternative ways to address supply pressures affecting the dairy sector.

Camel Milk Prices Also Under Review

The President also called for improved camel breeds capable of producing more milk, arguing that increased output could help lower prices for consumers.

He noted that camel milk was already available in Kenya at about KSh180 per litre, considerably higher than the price of ordinary cow’s milk.

Ruto suggested that better-producing camel breeds could increase supply and ease the cost of camel milk, although the impact would depend on production costs and market conditions.

Ruto Highlights Growth in Milk Production

Despite the reported shortage, Ruto said Kenya’s annual milk production had increased from 4.5 billion litres to 5.5 billion litres, describing the country as Africa’s leading milk producer and consumer.

He attributed growth in agriculture to reforms and government investment over the past four years, while pledging further measures to expand production.

The government is also planning to construct large, medium-sized and small dams using funds from the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, with the aim of expanding the area under irrigation to 2.5 million acres.

The proposed exploration of buffalo and improved camel breeds forms part of the wider effort to strengthen agricultural output, although its contribution to easing the current milk shortage will depend on feasibility studies and implementation.