Kenya’s tea exports may dominate its agricultural profile, but an unexpected contender is brewing in the nation’s cafes camel milk. From Nairobi’s bustling city center to small rural markets, this unique dairy product is carving out a niche, with a rising trend that blends innovation, tradition, and sustainability.
At CJ’s Restaurant in downtown Nairobi, the menu now boasts drinks like “camel-ccinos” and “camelattes,” drawing in curious patrons. According to manager Omar Shariff, demand for camel milk has shifted from being a staple for the Somali community to a popular choice among a broader clientele. He credits the growth to increased awareness about the milk’s health benefits and its appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts.
Kenya is home to over four million camels, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions, where these animals are a lifeline for many pastoral communities. The Kenya Camel Association reports that the camel milk sector contributes between Ksh. 10-12 billion ($90-108 million) annually to the economy, despite lacking a formalized supply chain.
Producers like White Gold Camel Milk are leading the charge to commercialize this resource. The company processes about 500 liters of milk daily and has ventured into value-added products like flavored milk and yogurt. As CEO Jama Warsame notes, local demand is steadily rising, creating room for innovation in camel-based products.
Globally, camel milk has been dubbed “white gold” due to its high price in international markets. While a liter of cow’s milk costs less than a dollar, camel milk can fetch up to $20 for the same amount abroad. However, tapping into this lucrative market requires overcoming significant logistical challenges.
Camel milk is not just a trendy beverage; it is also a lifeline for communities grappling with climate change. Unlike cows or goats, camels can endure harsh conditions, traveling up to 100 miles without water and producing milk even during prolonged droughts. With 23 counties in Kenya currently facing food shortages due to drought, camels offer a reliable alternative to traditional livestock.
David Hewett, a ranch manager at the Mpala Research Center, highlights the camel’s resilience: “Camels provide a hedge against dry weather as they continue to produce milk when other livestock fail.” This adaptability positions camels as a sustainable solution for food security in arid regions.
Health-conscious consumers are another driving force behind camel milk’s growing popularity. Packed with three times the amount of vitamin C found in cow’s milk, camel milk also boasts cholesterol-lowering properties and potential benefits for digestive health. Ongoing studies even suggest its potential to manage conditions like autism and diabetes.
Gym instructors, nutritionists, and wellness enthusiasts are increasingly recommending camel milk, creating demand in urban centers like Nairobi. As Shariff notes, “The shift is about more than curiosity; people see the health value.”
Despite its promise, the camel milk industry in Kenya faces significant hurdles. Poor infrastructure, limited roads, and a lack of refrigerated trucks make it difficult to scale up production and ensure the milk reaches broader markets. Compliance with international health and safety standards is another obstacle, particularly in regions dominated by smallholder farms.
“There’s a need for centralized collection centers and refrigerated transportation to ensure quality,” says Warsame. To address these challenges, industry leaders are advocating for a formal value chain, which could open doors to international export markets.
With the right investments, Kenya’s camel milk sector could be worth $200 million annually, impacting millions of households in northern Kenya. By building infrastructure, standardizing production processes, and raising awareness about its benefits, the industry has the potential to become a major economic driver.
As Kenyans sip their camel-ccinos and camelattes, it’s clear that this once-niche beverage is more than just a trend it’s a testament to the country’s ability to innovate, adapt, and turn tradition into opportunity. For now, the humble camel stands tall as a symbol of resilience and progress in the face of modern challenges.
