Ruto’s Chief Economic Adviser Blames Milk Shortage on Too Many Mjengo Workers – Details

David Ndii, Chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, has faced criticism after linking Kenya’s milk shortage to demand from workers on affordable housing sites.

Speaking at the 2026 NCBA Economic Forum, Ndii argued that Kenya was producing enough milk and that rising consumption, rather than low production, was behind the shortage.

He cited Kenya National Bureau of Statistics figures which he said showed milk production had increased by about 20 per cent to 5.6 billion litres since the current administration took office.

Ndii repeated his position on X, saying there was no milk production crisis because demand had exceeded supply. He pointed to increased demand from lower-income consumers.

His explanation drew criticism from Kenyans who questioned how construction workers could account for the shortage experienced by shoppers.

Figures on formal milk deliveries to processors show a decline between May and August 2026. Deliveries fell from 88.89 million litres in May to 84.44 million litres in June, then to 81.3 million litres in July and 75 million litres in August.

The decline over the four months was 15.6 per cent, according to the figures cited in the report. This raised questions about the difference between total milk production and the amount reaching processors.

Only about 30 per cent of milk produced in Kenya enters the formal supply chain. A drop in deliveries can affect packaged milk availability in shops, even when overall production remains high.

Ndii’s remarks prompted criticism on social media. Some users said his explanation did not address the shortage, while others questioned the timing of the housing programme and the milk supply problem.

The debate has highlighted the gap between production figures and packaged milk reaching consumers. The figures do not establish all the causes of the shortage, but have added to questions about supply.

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