PRESIDENT RUTO PROPOSES BUFFALO MILK PRODUCTION TO BOOST KENYA’S DAIRY INDUSTRY
NAIROBI, KENYA – Kenyan President William Ruto has proposed introducing buffalo milk production as part of efforts to diversify the country’s dairy industry and address persistent milk shortages.
Speaking during the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit in Nairobi on October 8, 2026, President Ruto questioned why Kenya should continue relying heavily on cow’s milk when other countries have successfully commercialised milk production from buffaloes and camels.
The Kenyan leader cited India, where domesticated water buffaloes are widely reared for milk production, saying Kenya could explore similar opportunities to strengthen its dairy sector.
President Ruto disclosed that he had directed Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to explore the possibility of importing improved buffalo breeds suitable for commercial milk production.
He also highlighted the economic potential of camel milk, which reportedly sells for between 180 and 200 Kenyan shillings per litre in Nairobi.
The President said diversifying milk production would create additional opportunities for farmers, improve food security and reduce the country’s dependence on conventional dairy cattle.
The proposal has generated public discussion, with attention turning to the feasibility of introducing buffalo dairy farming in Kenya.
Unlike the wild African buffalo commonly found in Kenya’s national parks, domesticated water buffaloes are commercially raised for milk in countries such as India, Pakistan and Italy.
Buffalo milk is generally richer in fat and protein than cow’s milk and is widely used in the production of cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products.
The Kenyan government has yet to announce a timeline or detailed implementation plan for the proposed initiative.