The government has banned the importation of milk powder into the country.
The stoppage is contained in a letter dated March 6, from the Kenya Dairy Board.
Additionally, the board has temporarily suspended the issuance of import permits "until further notice."
According to the board, the move is aimed at cushioning the industry from surplus production and low producer prices in anticipation of the long rains.
"We will, however, continue to monitor the production and demand for milk and milk products in the country and advice the government accordingly," reads the letter signed by managing director Margaret Kibogy.
It has been addressed to all importers of dairy produce.
The decision by the government is seen to go against the East Africa Community (EAC) free trade agreements of free movement of goods and services and common market.
In a tweet, Uganda’s NRM Eastern national vice chairman who doubles up as Mike Mukula has claimed this might also “trigger an open trade war” between the EAC countries.
Uganda and Rwanda are the two leading African countries which Kenya imports its milk products from.
