• Milk production rises to 5.5 million tons, up 3.5% year over year
• Output grows for a third straight year, setting a new record
• Processing volumes also increase as government backs local industry

Kenya’s dairy sector reached a new production high in 2025, underscoring steady growth in one of the country’s key agricultural industries.

The country produced 5.5 million tons of fresh milk during the year, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in its latest economic survey released on April 30.

The figure marks a 3.5% increase from 2024 and the third consecutive year of growth, setting a new record for the sector.

While the KNBS did not detail the drivers behind the increase, the government has been rolling out a 10-year dairy development strategy since 2023 through the Kenya Dairy Board. The plan focuses on improving farmers’ access to animal feed and veterinary services, with the goal of doubling daily milk yields per cow to about 14 liters.

At the same time, the processing segment is expanding. According to the KNBS, processed milk volumes rose by 13.4% in 2025 to reach 701,500 tons.

Authorities are also working to strengthen the competitiveness of local production. In October 2025, the government suspended imports of powdered milk to protect domestic producers from what it sees as unfair competition.

In a 2024 report on Kenya’s dairy market, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the country had 32 industrial dairies and 186 small-scale processors, with a combined processing capacity of about 3,750 tons per day.

Stéphanas Assocle