Kenya unveils dairy sector growth targets scorecard from 2022–2025

KENYA – The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has released its 2022–2025 Agriculture and Livestock Development Scorecard, outlining targets to transform Kenya’s dairy industry into a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive sector.

According to the scorecard, national milk production is projected to grow by 15.2%, rising from 4.6 billion litres to 5.3 billion litres.

Processing volumes are expected to increase by 20.5%, reaching 910 million litres, while dairy exports are set to nearly double from US$37.8 million (KES 4.9 billion) to US$72.5 million (KES 9.4 billion).

The report also highlights a 229% surge in dairy-related businesses, from 1,492 to 4,899, and a 22% increase in market value, from US$281 million (KES 36.5 billion) to US$344.8 million (KES 44.7 billion).

Farmer earnings are projected to improve, with average income per litre rising from Ksh. 47.2 to Ksh. 50.

Key interventions driving this growth include the deployment of 230 milk coolers across the country, designed to strengthen cold chain infrastructure and reduce post‑harvest losses.

The expansion of dairy cooperatives from 689 to 862 will further enhance collective bargaining power, improve milk quality, and provide smallholder farmers with greater access to markets.

These measures are expected to create a more efficient and profitable sector, while ensuring that farmers benefit directly from the industry’s growth.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, stated, “Kenya’s dairy value chain is growing strongly — milk production up to 5.3B litres, processing rising to 910M litres, and exports nearly doubling to Ksh. 9.4B.

“With 230 new milk coolers and expanding cooperatives, the sector is becoming more efficient, competitive and profitable for farmers nationwide.”

The Ministry has called on stakeholders, including processors, cooperatives, investors, and development partners, to align with these strategic goals and support the sector’s transformation.

By working together, the government and industry players aim to build a modern, sustainable dairy sector that safeguards public health, strengthens consumer trust, and unlocks new opportunities for growth both locally and internationally.

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