Farmers in Kajiado County are encouraging Kenyans to embrace goat milk as an alternative to cow milk amid concerns over supply shortages and rising prices.
The farmers say dairy goat farming could offer an additional source of income while giving consumers another option as the country grapples with milk supply challenges.
One of the advantages they point to is the amount of feed required to keep the animals. According to the farmers, a goat consumes about three kilogrammes of feed daily, compared to a cow, which requires about 15 kilogrammes.
They say this could make goats a more affordable option for farmers who want to venture into milk production but face high feeding and maintenance costs.
“Goat milk offers an opportunity to increase milk production while giving farmers an alternative to cattle, which require more feed and can be costly to maintain,” one farmer said.
The farmer added that goat milk currently sells at about Ksh120 per litre when bought directly from producers.
“We would like more farmers to keep goats because you can milk them and earn income. Farmers selling goat milk are supplying it to us at Ksh120 per litre when we buy directly from the farms,” the farmer said.
However, the price means goat milk may not necessarily be a cheaper option for consumers, particularly if retailers add transport and other costs.
Goat Milk Alternative Comes Amid Supply Concerns
The proposal comes days after the government announced that it was considering importing water buffaloes and camels as part of efforts to address milk shortages in the country.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans sharing memes and digitally altered images showing themselves milking the animals.
The idea of introducing water buffaloes into Kenya is not entirely new. In January 2025, the government published Gazette Notice No. 977, dated January 31, providing for the domestication of water buffaloes. However, the notice did not establish a programme for producing buffalo milk.
Meanwhile, milk prices have risen in some areas amid supply concerns. In September retail prices ranged from about Ksh90 per litre to nearly Ksh120 in some parts of Nairobi.
The higher prices have added pressure on consumers who rely on milk as part of their daily household spending.
For farmers in Kajiado, dairy goat farming presents an opportunity to diversify their livestock activities and earn additional income from milk sales.
Whether it can make a significant difference to the country’s milk supply will depend on farmers’ ability to expand production and supply consumers consistently.