Speaking on Tuesday, he referred to figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), which indicate that milk production had increased by 20 per cent to approximately 5.6 billion litresHe further claimed that milk deliveries to processing companies had risen by 34 per cent during the same period.
Ndii questioned why supermarkets were experiencing stock shortages despite the reported growth in production and processing volumes, arguing that increased consumption could explain the situation.He pointed to workers at construction sites as an example, noting that hundreds of thousands of people employed in affordable housing projects and other developments consume milk daily.
According to him, milk is among the basic supplies provided to workers at some construction sites, suggesting that changing consumption habits, particularly among lower-income households, could be contributing to the increased demand.
His comments come against the backdrop of persistent reports of milk shortages across supermarkets and retail outlets, with some retailers introducing purchase limits while consumers struggle to find their preferred brands.
However, an October 19 report presented a different picture of milk deliveries to processors, indicating that formal milk intake had fallen from 88.89 million litres in May to 75 million litres in August 2026, representing a decline of approximately 16 per cent.
The Kenya Dairy Board attributed the reduction largely to prolonged dry conditions and rising pressure on animal feed supplies. The report also highlighted difficulties affecting milk collection, processing and distribution.
Similarly, the KNBS August 2026 Leading Economic Indicators report recorded formal milk intake at 77.1 million litres, down from 81.3 million litres in July, representing a 5.1 per cent decline.
These figures highlight the difference between overall milk production and the quantities entering formal processing channels, since increased national output does not automatically translate into steady processor deliveries or sufficient packaged milk supplies in retail outlets.Despite the concerns raised by the declining formal deliveries, Ndii maintained that rising consumer demand could be a major factor behind the shortages being witnessed in shops.
The supply challenges have also coincided with an increase in milk prices. KNBS figures showed that fresh packaged milk prices rose by six per cent in September, while ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk recorded an eight per cent increase.
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