No dairy export without quality, CS Kagwe warns on animal feeds with aflatoxin

Speaking at the official opening of the 17th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition (AFDA17) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Kagwe warned that contaminated feeds are directly undermining Kenya’s export ambitions.

“No export without quality. Aflatoxin in maize feeds passes straight into milk and locks us out of lucrative markets. If we are serious about doubling production and exporting, we must fix feed quality first,” he said.

Kagwe urged feed manufacturers and farmers to adopt Aflasafe, a proven biological product that suppresses aflatoxin in maize, to guarantee the best milk quality for Kenyans.

He further announced that the government will soon launch a Good Quality Milk certification programme, to set a benchmark for hygiene and safety.

Farmers delivering high-quality milk will earn premium payments, while those supplying substandard produce will no longer be paid the same.

“We must all produce good quality milk, and the farmer must be recognised for doing the right thing. It cannot be the same amount for bad and good. Those who produce better will earn better,” Kagwe noted.

According to the ministry, Kenya produced 5.3 billion litres of milk in 2024, and aims to double it to 10 billion litres within the next few years.

To achieve this, Kagwe noted, tackling aflatoxin, reducing feed costs, improving cattle breeds, and incentivising farmers for quality will be important.

He challenged African nations to exchange best practices and harmonise standards under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying Africa cannot continue importing milk powders while sitting on vast potential.