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

What the report says

Kenyans are dealing with an unusual milk shortage that is affecting a daily staple: chai, the milky tea widely consumed at breakfast, meetings and social visits. BBC Africa reported from Nairobi that supermarket chilled shelves are running low, some retailers are rationing purchases, and prices are rising. The shortage has prompted concern among consumers and business owners who rely on milk sales and supply.

The government has linked the shortfall to drought, saying reduced pasture has hurt dairy production. The Kenya Dairy Board has acknowledged supply constraints and low stock levels, while figures cited by the board showed formal milk deliveries to processors falling from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July, with further declines indicated in August. Consumer groups say the shortage has been building since the start of the year and point to delayed rains and higher feed costs as key pressures.

In Nairobi, restaurant owner Muthoni Macharia said the shortage is hurting her morning trade because customers expect milk tea and some leave if it is unavailable. Shoppers interviewed by BBC Africa said they were worried about both scarcity and the higher cost, with fresh milk prices reported to have risen from 70 to 80 Kenyan shillings per litre.

Officials and industry groups are discussing short-term and longer-term responses, including more feed support for farmers, possible duty-free imports of yellow maize, and even temporary milk imports from neighbouring countries. BBC Africa noted that fresh pasteurised milk has been more affected than longer-life UHT milk.