Kenya Lifts Ban on Ugandan Powdered Milk.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs of Uganda Ms Rebecca Kadaga , announced on Wednesday that Kenya had lifted its ban on importing milk products from Uganda.

After the neighboring East African country's decision to compel the importation of milk powder to be temporarily suspended, Kenya claimed last week that its milk processors had been shielded from competition.

Rains are anticipated this month, according to the Kenya Dairy Board, which is projected to greatly increase the nation's milk production and decrease the need for imports.

"In preparation of the extended rains, the government has prohibited the importing of milk powders to cushion the industry from surplus production and low producer prices," the board's managing director, Margaret Kibogy wrote to milk powder importers in a letter dated March 6.

On Wednesday, Ms Kadaga stated that she had held productive discussions with Kenyan officials regarding the matter.

"I'm happy to announce that the prohibition on milk products has been lifted to the dairy industry in Uganda. In a tweet, Ms. Kadaga cited a letter from Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and stated, "I have also had good meetings with the Mr. Abdi Dubat, Permanent Secretary Kenya Ministry of East African Community on bilateral issues.

A letter signed by Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary State Department for Livestock in Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, announced the suspension of the stoppage of milk powder imports.

The letter referenced the recent communication from the Kenya Dairy Board and stated that importation under the East African Community protocol only applies to goods imported from outside the EAC community, while goods traded within the EAC are considered transfers. The suspension is to allow for the dairy industry's import and export regulations to apply accordingly, as stated in the dairy industry (import and export) regulation 2021.

The prolonged drought in Kenya has led to a scarcity of milk, resulting in high milk prices. As a result, the board suspended the issuance of import permits.