Kenya unable to meet milk demand, forced to import from Uganda - CS Kinyanjui

Speaking during a family day organised by the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, Kinyanjui said the situation was unsustainable and called for increased support to farmers to boost local milk production and enable the country to attain self-sufficiency.

The CS noted that the government was keen on addressing the supply gap by supporting farmers to increase production.

“Katika muda mfupi, pia tutakuwa tunaangalia namna maziwa yanavyotumika humu nchini. Kwa sasa, hatuwezi kukidhi mahitaji yetu yote ya maziwa locally. So, we are actually importing milk from neighbouring countries like Uganda, and we believe that this is not where the country should be," he said.

“So, we are asking our farmers, and we will support you to ensure that you can produce enough for the nation to achieve self-sufficiency.”

The remarks come amid a milk supply squeeze that has seen some supermarkets report reduced stocks, while consumers have faced price increases of between Ksh.3 and Ksh.5 for a 500-millilitre packet.

The Kenya Dairy Board attributed the shortage to seasonal production challenges, with formal milk deliveries to processors falling by 3.7 per cent from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July.

The board also warned of a further decline in August, citing dry and cold weather in key milk-producing areas that has affected pasture and fodder availability.

Kinyanjui also addressed concerns over foreign nationals coming into the country as investors or traders before engaging in retail businesses.

He said the government would introduce measures to ensure foreign investors focus on investment rather than retail activities.

“Ya pili, naomba niseme kuhusu suala ambalo mwenye Rice Tuesday alisema alipokuwa akiongea na wachuuzi, kumekuwa na changamoto ya wafanyabiashara wengine kutoka nchi za ng'ambo kuja huku kama wawekezaji au wafanyabiashara," he noted.

“Lakini baadaye wanakuja hapa, wanaanzisha retailing, hawking na mambo kama hayo. Kwa hivyo, tutakuwa tukianzisha utaratibu wa kuidhinisha wale ambao wametoka nchi za nje na wanaofanya kazi hapa, ili waweze ku-invest and not retail, because that is not the focus.”

The CS clarified that the proposed measures would specifically target investors from outside the region, rather than citizens of East African Community countries.

“Lakini hii notice si ya wale wanaotoka nchi jirani za East African Community. Ni wale ambao wametoka mbali kuja kufanya biashara hapa, na tunataka kuhakikisha kwamba wanawekeza," he added.

He underscored that the government was concerned that foreign traders were taking up opportunities that could otherwise benefit Kenyan youth.

“Tukipata nafasi ya kuangalia hili, ni kwa sababu biashara ni muhimu sana katika kutoa kazi kwa vijana wetu. Hatutaki kazi zichukuliwe na wale ambao wametoka katika sehemu za nchi nyingine, halafu watoto wetu wabaki bila kazi ya kufanya.”

Kinyanjui further pointed to the ongoing construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit road, saying the project would transform trade and tourism across Nakuru and neighbouring counties.

He said President William Ruto had reminded him that the road would be ready for use once completed, describing it as a potential game changer for the region.

“Hii barabara itabadilisha mustakabali wa sehemu hii yote, mpaka Baringo, Kericho na kila mahali," he stated.

“Kwa hivyo, Mheshimiwa Rais amenikumbusha kwamba ifikapo mwisho wa mwaka, tutaweza kutumia hii barabara ikiwa imekamilika. And this will be a game changer for Nakuru as a whole.”

The CS urged businesses in Nakuru to prepare to take advantage of opportunities expected to emerge from improved connectivity.

Consequently, the CS urged political leaders to maintain peace and unity, saying political competition should not divide Kenyans.

He said Nakuru, like the rest of the country, is home to people from different parts of Kenya and urged politicians to pursue their ambitions peacefully.

“Our country, and in particular even our county here, tuko na watu kutoka sehemu zote. Kwa hivyo, kama tunapiga siasa, tukumbuke Kenya haihami. Kenya itakuwa hapa," stated Kinyanjui.

“Na ingawa wanasiasa wanataka viti tofauti, our country and our unity must remain paramount for us to move forward.”