KENYA – The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) has publicized a four-year initiative aimed at transforming the country’s informal dairy sector by enhancing milk safety, regulatory compliance, and market access for small-scale businesses.
The project, titled “MoreMilk: More Milk for Lives and Livelihoods in Kenya,” was officially launched at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the KES 200 million (US$1.3M) initiative will be implemented in partnership with ILRI.
The program will focus on three counties—Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu—targeting 450 informal and small-scale dairy vendors through capacity-building activities designed to improve milk safety and quality.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes dairy as a key value chain for development.
With an estimated 75% of Kenya’s milk supply coming from the informal sector, the project seeks to transition small-scale vendors into certified enterprises, ensuring safer milk for consumers while boosting economic opportunities within the industry.
Addressing key challenges in the informal dairy market
Speaking at the launch, KDB Managing Director Margaret Kibogy highlighted Kenya’s strong position in the dairy sector, producing 4.6 billion liters of milk annually—one of the highest outputs on the continent.
Despite this, challenges remain, particularly in the production of high-value dairy products such as cheese, butter, and ghee, which account for just 0.1% of total processed milk.
“We process about one billion liters of milk annually, with 85% of it being Ultra High Temperature (UHT) and fresh milk. The limited production of high-value dairy products presents an opportunity for vendors and small-scale businesses to venture into more lucrative segments while ensuring compliance with safety standards,” said Kibogy.
Empowering vendors and consumers
State Department of Livestock Development Secretary Administration Dr. Joshua Chepchieng emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering a formalized dairy sector that supports nutrition security, economic growth, and public health.
“This scheme will support the gradual transition of small-scale dairy businesses into certified enterprises, ensuring that consumers receive safe, high-quality milk while vendors benefit from increased market access and better livelihoods,” said Chepchieng.
By equipping vendors with improved milk-handling practices and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, the project aims to enhance consumer trust and encourage buyers to purchase from compliant businesses.
Strategic vision for national impact
ILRI Director General Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng elucidated the importance of the MoreMilk initiative in transforming Kenya’s informal dairy sector.
“This partnership between ILRI, KDB, and our funders is critical in driving progress in milk safety, regulatory standards, and market participation. Together, we are working towards a professionalized and sustainable industry that benefits millions,” said Djikeng.
ILRI Principal Scientist and Project Lead Silvia Alonso noted that the project builds on the success of the initial MoreMilk phase, which demonstrated that vendors, when provided with the right support and training, can improve their milk handling practices significantly.
“The goal is to create a sustainable model that not only supports small businesses but also protects the health and well-being of Kenyan families,” said Alonso.
Building a sustainable dairy future
The informal dairy sector remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, providing affordable milk to millions of households.
However, vendors continue to face challenges such as limited support, lack of proper milk-handling infrastructure, and difficulties in maintaining product quality and safety.
The MoreMilk initiative seeks to address these gaps by offering training, improving regulatory compliance, and increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of purchasing from certified dairy businesses.
With a target to increase regulated milk sales from less than 20% to 50%, the project is expected to serve as a model for future expansion across the country.
