The dairy sector in Kenya is a vital component of the country’s agricultural industry and plays a significant role in its economy. Here are some key points about the dairy sector in Kenya:

1. Economic Contribution: The dairy sector is a major contributor to Kenya’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for approximately 14% of the total agricultural GDP.
2. Smallholder Dominance: Smallholder dairy farmers are the backbone of Kenya’s dairy sector, contributing around 56% of the total milk production. It is estimated that there are about 1.8 million smallholder dairy farmers, constituting roughly 80% of all dairy producers.
3. Large Commercial Farms: The remaining 44% of milk production comes from large commercial dairy farms, showcasing a diverse landscape in the dairy sector.
4. Diverse Cattle Breeds: Kenya’s dairy cattle population consists of a mix of indigenous, exotic, and crossbred cattle. There are over five million dairy cattle in the country, producing approximately four billion liters of milk annually.
5. Rapid Growth: Milk production in Kenya is expected to grow by about 150% by 2050, highlighting the sector’s potential for expansion.
6. High Milk Consumption: Kenya boasts the highest per capita milk consumption in sub-Saharan Africa, with an average of 110 liters per person. The demand for milk is significant, currently standing at 8 billion liters, and is expected to increase with population growth.
7. Sustainability Focus: The dairy sector in Kenya is increasingly focusing on sustainability in terms of feed production, artificial breeding, value-added product development, and the utilization of farmyard manure and renewable energy.
8. Government Initiatives: The Kenyan government has launched initiatives to standardize livestock production, support imports and exports, and regulate prices within the dairy sector. Additionally, there is a dairy master plan in place to guide the industry’s development up to 2030.
9. Challenges: Despite its potential for growth, the Kenyan dairy sector faces challenges such as limited access to credit, inconsistent milk prices, and issues related to infrastructure and milk transportation.
10. Cooperatives: Dairy cooperatives play a crucial role in organizing smallholder farmers, enabling them to access resources and markets more effectively.

The dairy sector in Kenya is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry with great potential for economic development and meeting the country’s growing demand for dairy products. As Kenya continues to invest in this sector, it is likely to become an even more significant player in the global dairy market.