Kenya’s dairy sector is set to grow by 50 percent over the next three years, driven by the nationwide rollout of a climate-smart and nutritious forage programme, according to the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA) consortium.
A recent pilot study by the consortium, conducted across the country and involving 5,500 small-scale dairy farmers, revealed that introducing nutrient-dense, climate-adapted forage significantly boosts milk yields.
The study projects that with full adoption, farmers could collectively produce an additional 3.4 billion litres of milk by 2028, translating to potential earnings of up to KSh156 billion over the three-year period.“Farmers who embraced the improved forage saw a marked increase in yields, proving the viability of this approach in transforming the sector,” said a spokesperson from the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance.
In 2024, earnings from milk supplies rose by 17.4 percent to reach KSh60 billion. This increase was largely attributed to better milk prices, which jumped by 29 percent from KSh5,083 to KSh6,600 per 100 litres.Total national milk production rose by 1 percent to 5.3 billion litres in 2024.
However, sector players believe the growth could be exponential if more smallholder farmers adopt improved forage practices.The NPA notes that the establishment of a private equity-backed and self-sustaining commercial marketplace for climate-resilient forage will be key to ensuring long-term success.
Such a marketplace would make the improved forage more accessible to farmers, enhancing sustainability and scalability.
The initiative highlights the growing link between climate resilience and agricultural productivity in Kenya, positioning the dairy industry as a critical pillar in achieving food security and rural prosperity.
