Kenya battles aflatoxin in dairy feeds to protect milk exports and boost quality
To tackle the aflatoxin threat, Kagwe urged feed manufacturers and farmers to adopt Aflasafe, a proven biological product that suppresses aflatoxin in maize.
The Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns over the use of aflatoxin-contaminated animal feeds, warning that the practice threatens Kenya’s dairy industry and limits access to international markets.
Speaking on Tuesday at the official opening of the 17th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition (AFDA17) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stressed that the future of Kenya’s milk exports hinges on eliminating contamination and implementing a quality-based payment system for farmers.
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He 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.
The CS announced that the government will soon launch a Good Quality Milk certification programme to set clear benchmarks for hygiene and safety. Farmers who deliver high-quality milk will earn premium payments, while those supplying substandard produce will no longer receive the same rate.
“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 said.
To tackle the aflatoxin threat, Kagwe urged feed manufacturers and farmers to adopt Aflasafe, a proven biological product that suppresses aflatoxin in maize.
“Use aflatoxin-free maize. Adopt Aflasafe. This is the only way to guarantee the best milk for Kenyans and protect our place in global markets,” he said.
Kenya produced 5.3 billion litres of milk in 2024, but under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the government aims to double output to 10 billion litres in the coming years.
Kagwe said achieving this target will require addressing aflatoxin, reducing feed costs, improving cattle breeds, and incentivising farmers for quality.
He also challenged African countries to exchange best practices and harmonise standards under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), insisting that the continent cannot continue importing milk powders while sitting on vast dairy potential.
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