Kenya's Ruto faces criticism over buffalo import plan to ease milk shortage

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto’s proposal to import buffaloes and camels to mitigate Kenya’s ongoing milk shortage. Gachagua argued that the plan contradicts previous government claims regarding increased milk production and suggested that the administration should focus on increasing the number of domestic dairy cows instead.

Gachagua also raised concerns regarding the safety of the initiative, questioning whether the animals could injure farmers during the milking process.

President Ruto attributed the current shortage to drought and other factors. He noted that buffaloes and camels can produce more milk than domesticated cows and cited India as a country where buffalo milk is commonly consumed. Ruto has directed Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to investigate suitable breeds from India to determine the viability of the plan through small-scale sampling.