Uganda's Dairy Exports to Kenya Triple
Frank Semata 
Kenya has witnessed a remarkable surge in dairy imports from Uganda, nearly tripling in value over the year leading to June 2023.
This surge is attributed to heightened production in Uganda and a growing demand from processors in Kenya.
According to data from the Uganda Dairy Development Authority (DDA), Uganda exported dairy products worth USh810.56 billion (Sh29.2 billion) to Kenya during the period, marking an impressive 187.6 percent increase from the previous year.
This significant rise accounts for 83 percent of Uganda's total dairy exports during the period, emphasizing Kenya's dominance in the region's dairy trade.
Uganda's overall dairy exports soared by 158 percent, reaching $264.5 million (Sh37.86 billion) during the same period. This surge in exports is paralleled by a substantial increase in milk production in Uganda, which escalated by 37 percent to 3.85 billion liters.
Despite Kenya's restrictions on some dairy imports from Uganda, talks between Uganda and Kenya are ongoing at the highest policy levels to address access issues.
Samson Mpiira, the acting Executive Director of DDA, highlighted the significance of Kenya as Uganda's largest importer of dairy products, emphasizing the continuation of discussions to facilitate smoother trade flows.
"The increased availability of dairy products, both locally produced and imported from Uganda, has contributed to stabilizing prices in Kenya, offering consumers a significant benefit amidst economic uncertainties."
