The Kenyan government, in partnership with key players in the dairy sector, has unveiled the MoreMilk 2 initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at improving milk safety, quality, and access to regulated markets for small-scale informal dairy businesses.
The program also seeks to empower consumers to demand safer, high-quality milk and promote gender equity by fostering collaboration between men and women in the informal sector.
Led by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the initiative is designed to tackle key challenges in the informal dairy sector, which accounts for approximately 75% of Kenya’s milk supply.
By focusing on regulatory compliance, capacity building, and market access, MoreMilk 2 aspires to create a sustainable model for the dairy industry that enhances livelihoods and public health.
Kenya’s Dairy Sector: A Regional Powerhouse
Speaking at the launch, KDB Managing Director Margaret Kibogy highlighted Kenya’s position as a leading milk producer in Africa, with an annual production of 4.6 billion liters.
She noted that Kenyans consume an average of 86.1 liters of milk per year, a figure the government aims to increase to 130 liters, the country’s previous peak.
Currently, only about one billion liters of milk are processed annually, with 85% being Ultra High Temperature (UHT) or fresh milk.
A mere 0.1% is processed into high-value products such as cheese, butter, and ghee, leaving a significant gap that is filled by imports.
“These high-value products present a lucrative opportunity for vendors and small-scale dairy businesses to venture into and regularize their operations,” Kibogy said, emphasizing the potential for growth within the informal sector.
Empowering Small-Scale Dairy Operators
The initiative aims to transition small-scale informal dairy businesses into certified enterprises capable of delivering safe, high-quality products.
Dr. Joshua Chepchieng, Secretary Administration at the State Department of Livestock Development, described MoreMilk 2 as a crucial step toward formalizing Kenya’s dairy sector, which contributes significantly to nutrition security, health, and economic growth.
“This program will improve milk handling practices, ensure regulatory compliance, and empower vendors to thrive in a competitive market,” Chepchieng stated.
Initially targeting Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu counties, the project is expected to demonstrate the feasibility of scaling up nationwide.
Chepchieng added that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which identifies dairy as a priority value chain for development.
The government aims to increase the proportion of milk sold through regulated markets from less than 20% to 50%.
Partnerships Driving Change
The MoreMilk 2 initiative is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng emphasized the partnership’s importance in transforming Kenya’s informal dairy sector.
“By combining research, regulatory expertise, and capacity building, we are creating a professionalized, sustainable industry that benefits millions of Kenyans,” Djikeng said.
He also noted that the initiative aligns with ILRI’s broader strategy under CGIAR, which prioritizes sustainable livestock development to improve incomes and livelihoods.
Building on Success
The initiative builds on the achievements of the first phase of the MoreMilk project, which demonstrated that dairy vendors could significantly improve milk handling practices with adequate support and training.
ILRI Principal Scientist and Project Lead Silvia Alonso highlighted the program’s focus on creating a sustainable model to support small businesses while protecting public health.
“Grounded in sound research, this project not only addresses quality and safety but also ensures the well-being of Kenyan families who rely on milk as a staple food,” Alonso said.
Transforming Consumer and Vendor Dynamics
The initiative seeks to foster trust between consumers and vendors by promoting compliance with safety standards and encouraging consumers to buy from certified businesses.
It will also provide dairy vendors with the tools and knowledge they need to meet regulatory requirements and maintain product quality.
The program is expected to uplift the informal dairy sector, which plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy and nutrition.
Dairy vendors, who serve as trusted sources of affordable milk, often face significant challenges, including inadequate support and difficulty maintaining product safety.
By addressing these challenges, MoreMilk 2 aims to create a thriving, professionalized informal dairy sector that supports national goals for food security, economic growth, and public health.
A Vision for the Future
As Kenya works to formalize its dairy sector, the MoreMilk 2 initiative stands as a critical milestone.
With a strong focus on gender equity, consumer empowerment, and vendor capacity building, the program is set to transform the dairy landscape, offering small-scale businesses the opportunity to thrive in regulated markets while ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality milk for all Kenyans.