Kenya's chai lovers are not happy as the nation's cows run dry

What the report says

Kenya is facing a milk shortage that is affecting the country’s popular milky tea, or chai, with consumers and small business owners reporting empty shelves, higher prices and rationing. The Nile Post, citing BBC reporting, says the squeeze is being felt in Nairobi and other areas where milk is a daily staple for breakfast, meetings and social visits.

One restaurant owner in Nairobi, Muthoni Macharia, said she was struggling to find enough fresh milk for customers and that the shortage had already affected morning trade. Retailers have reportedly limited how much shoppers can buy, while supermarket chilled sections have been running low. Some customers are switching to black tea, but many do not want that substitute.

The Kenya Dairy Board has acknowledged supply constraints and low stock levels, and the government has linked the broader shortage to drought, which has reduced pasture and slowed production. Industry figures cited in the report show formal milk deliveries to processors falling from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July, with preliminary indications of further declines in August.

Consumer groups say the shortage was predictable and point to delayed seasonal rains and a sharp rise in animal feed costs. The issue matters because Kenya is one of Africa’s leading milk producers and urban consumers rely heavily on pasteurised milk. The report also notes public concern and some unverified claims online about the cause of the shortages.