Kenya agricultural sector sees milk supply drop and fruit export gains

Kenya’s agricultural sector is experiencing divergent trends in its dairy and fruit industries. Milk deliveries to processors fell by approximately eight million litres between January and July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The Kenya Dairy Board attributed this decline to dry and cold weather conditions that reduced the availability of pasture and fodder. This shortage has increased reliance on purchased animal feeds, raising production costs and driving up consumer prices. For example, 500ml milk packets in Nairobi supermarkets have risen from roughly Sh38–Sh60 last year to between Sh61 and Sh69.

In contrast, Kenya’s fruit export earnings saw significant growth, reaching KSh5.7 billion in June 2026, a 19.8% increase from June 2025. While export volumes remained largely stable, the increase was driven by a 21% rise in value per tonne. Avocados continue to be the primary driver of these earnings, with Kenya maintaining its position as Africa’s top and the world’s fifth-largest avocado exporter. Despite a decline in total annual export volumes due to the Red Sea crisis and other factors, the improved value per tonne suggests a strengthening of export earnings toward the end of the financial year.