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Milk shortage in Kenya: 5 affordable alternatives when you cannot afford fresh milk
04th September, 2026 02:29 PM
Consumers in Nairobi and other parts of the country are facing limited milk supplies, with some supermarkets reporting empty shelves and fewer brands and pack sizes.
Kenya’s milk shortage has been linked to declining fodder supplies as inadequate rainfall leaves dairy farmers struggling to feed their cows, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke has said.
Mueke said the government was working on immediate and long-term measures to restore milk supplies and protect farmers from losses caused by the changing seasons.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday September 3,2026, Mueke said the priority was to ensure dairy farmers had enough feed to keep their cows producing milk.
Meanwhile, with the sudden limited supply of milk, skipping milk does not mean you have to miss out on foods that provide important nutrients such as protein and calcium. There are several affordable options that can be included in your meals.
Porridge
A cup of porridge made from affordable grains such as millet, sorghum or maize can make a filling breakfast without requiring milk.
You can improve its nutritional value by adding groundnuts, peanut butter or other locally available ingredients. These can provide protein and healthy fats while making the meal more satisfying.
Soy milk
For households looking for a non-dairy option, soy milk can be considered. Soy is naturally a source of protein and some fortified soy milk products also provide calcium and other nutrients.
If buying packaged soy milk, check the label for added sugar and calcium content before choosing one.
Groundnuts and other legumes
You do not necessarily need a glass of milk to get protein. Groundnuts, beans, green grams and other legumes can provide useful amounts of protein and other nutrients.
Groundnuts can be added to porridge or eaten as a snack, while beans and green grams can form part of a balanced lunch or dinner.
Small fish such as omena
Omena is a familiar and relatively affordable source of nutrients for many Kenyan households. When eaten with the bones, small fish can provide calcium, as well as protein.
Serving omena with vegetables and a staple such as ugali, rice or potatoes can make a nutritious and affordable meal.
