The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has announced the suspension of the importation of milk powder by all importers in the country to cushion local producers as the long rainy season of March to May nears.
According to a statement by KDB managing director Margaret Kibogy, the Board has temporarily suspended the issuance of import permits until further notice.
“However, we will monitor the demand and production of milk and milk products in the country and advise the government accordingly,” she said.
The Kenya Kwanza government seeks to bridge the deficit with imports in the country due to the prolonged drought affecting milk production.
Milk production is expensive for many producers because of the high animal feed prices.
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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that the government is committed to improving operations in the milk industry to help maximize profits, boost farmers in the country, and fight towards eliminating cartels from the milk industry.
The decision will reduce competition between importers and local milk processors, who must now sell their products in the Kenyan market.
The suspension comes when milk producers across the country expect high yields with the start of the rain.
Uganda is Kenya’s leading import market for milk, which is allowed into the country.
