Milk prices are up by between Sh3 and Sh5 with traders attributing this to the cold season and rain. Brands like Tuzo , KCC, Daima , Molo milk and Ilara are currently retailing at between Sh40- Sh45 per 500ml packet up from a price range of between Sh33 and Sh38 a few weeks back.

Brookside Dairy general manager, John Gethi, said: "the price increase is due to the forces of supply and demand". "The main-rain season is a supply factor which has come to an end in most milk producing sheds in the country".

Brookside which is the largest processor in the country recently increased its producer price by Sh5 and seems to have passed down that cost to consumers Other upcoming brands which are still not dominant in the market like Fresha and Afya are retailing at Sh38 and Sh34 in most outlets.

"Milk producers are experiencing a cold season", Alex Gathii the spokesperson for Milk Traders As"That is, the carbohydrates that a cow uses in milk production are instead being used to generate heat in the body" Gathii explained.

The association also cites substitute farming among farmers in some milk producing regions for milk shortage forcing producers to spend more to get raw milk.

"Outbreak of foot and mouth disease is having a significant impact on some milk producing regions like Central and Rift Valley" Gathii added. "Some regions in Central and Rift Valley have been affected".