Kenya is experiencing a milk shortage, leading to empty supermarket shelves, rationing, and rising prices, with chai lovers particularly affected due to the beverage's reliance on milk.
Supermarket chilled sections are nearly empty, and retailers are limiting how much shoppers can take home, with prices rising as a result. The government attributes the shortage to drought, which has reduced pasture and hampered milk production. However, the Kenya Dairy Board has acknowledged 'supply constraints' and 'low stock levels' across the country.
Restaurant owner Muthoni Macharia, who typically buys over 70 packets of fresh milk daily, reports that shortages have persisted for about a week, impacting her business during the morning rush. Some customers are opting for black tea instead of chai, but many are unwilling to make the switch. Formal milk deliveries to processors fell by 3.7% in July compared to June, with further declines reported in August.
Why it matters
Empty shelves and rationing force consumers to seek alternatives, reducing immediate sales for retailers.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether regular customers continue avoiding milk tea, affecting shopkeepers' daily income.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.