Kenya’s informal dairy sector, which supplies approximately three-quarters of the country’s milk, is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the “More Milk: More Milk for Lives and Livelihoods in Kenya initiative” led by the kenya dairy board and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
The More Milk 2 initiative is expected to improve milk safety standards and increase regulatory compliance, which is intended to boost consumer bases that demand safe, high-quality milk, and strengthen gender equity by fostering collaboration between men and women in the sector. Led by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the initiative leverages research and regulatory expertise to enhance milk safety, livelihoods, and national food security.
This four-year project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, aims to enhance milk safety and quality while improving market access for small-scale dairy businesses. It will establish a capacity development and certification program to support informal dairy enterprises in transitioning to certified businesses that offer safe, and high-quality dairy products.
Targeting Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu counties, it’s anticipated the initiative will improve milk handling practices, ensure regulatory compliance, empower vendors, and enhance consumer trust. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of ILRI, described the partnership as pivotal in transforming Kenya’s informal dairy sector by integrating research and regulatory improvements to build a sustainable industry that benefits millions.
Kenya’s informal dairy sector plays a vital role in the economy and nutrition since a majority of families need affordable milk for millions of households. Dairy vendors thereby serve as key players in nutrition, health, and food safety within their communities. However, it’s now apparent that they face challenges such as inadequate support, difficulties in adhering to best milk handling practices and regulatory requirements, and struggles in maintaining product quality and safety.
The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), responsible for regulating and promoting the sector, has made significant progress in addressing these challenges. In 2021, KDB revised dairy regulations to align with modern technology and market demands, streamlining permit processes and replacement of the KDB license. This License is a cost-free, compliance-based permit for small and medium dairy enterprises improving accessibility and safety in the dairy market.
Margaret Kibogy, Managing Director of KDB, emphasized that through capacity building, incentives, and an enabling environment, small and medium dairy enterprises can be uplifted by providing training, technology, and resources to ensure safer and healthier milk for all Kenyans.
Building on previous successes, the More Milk 2 initiative will support informal dairy vendors in improving milk quality and safety in semi-regulated markets. It will encourage consumers to buy from compliant businesses while helping vendors expand their operations.
According to the Kenya Dairy Master Plan, the sector handles between 55–70% of marketed milk. Domestic milk demand is expected to rise from 4.5 billion liters to 12.67 billion liters, with a projected increase in per capita consumption from 110 liters in 2010 to 220 liters by 2030.
Kenya’s informal dairy sector is a significant player in the country’s dairy industry. Kenyan consumers strongly prefer fresh liquid milk, and informal retailers sell an average of 50–100 liters daily at nearly half the price of processed milk.
However, the informal sector has minimal representation in dairy policy-making. Transforming this sector is a key strategy in Kenya’s Vision 2030 to meet urban demand while creating jobs, increasing incomes, and boosting public revenues.
According to Dr. Joshua Chepchieng, Secretary of Administration at the State Department of Livestock Development, the long-term vision is to formalize the whole of Kenya’s dairy sector, ensuring safe milk while contributing to nutrition security, health, and economic growth.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes dairy as a key value chain for development. By focusing on three counties, the project aims to create a scalable business model supporting the government’s goal of increasing milk sales through regulated markets from under 20% to 50%.
Silvia Alonso, Principal Scientist and Project Lead at ILRI added that the initiative aims to create a sustainable model that supports small businesses while protecting the health and well-being of Kenyan families.
The More Milk 2 initiative marks a major milestone in Kenya’s dairy sector, fostering safer, more sustainable, and inclusive growth.
