President William Ruto raised the idea of importing water buffaloes to diversify Kenya’s milk production at the Agriculture and Food Security Transformation Summit on 8 October 2026, directing the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development to explore the option.

Many Nairobi residents expressed scepticism, saying buffaloes are wild animals and questioning whether they can be safely domesticated and milked for human consumption.

Dennis Kamamia, a Nairobi resident, argued that Kenya should first support small‑scale dairy farmers and investigate recent cattle deaths in Samburu before committing resources to a new livestock species.

Boniface Masila, a young Eastleigh resident, said water‑buffalo farming could create employment for youth if the government provides a clear domestication and commercial strategy.

Consumers such as Mary voiced safety concerns, stating they would need assurance about how buffalo milk is produced, processed and distributed before they would consider drinking it.

Ole Maishagi argued that the government should improve production from existing livestock like goats rather than introduce a species with which farmers have little experience.

The proposal follows Gazette Notice No 977 (31 January 2025), which classified the domesticated water buffalo as a food animal but did not detail costs or expected benefits, prompting questions about economic and environmental assessments.

Social‑media user Kinyua Muriithi asked whether the government had compared the cost‑effectiveness and environmental impact of buffaloes with other interventions before advancing the plan.

Experts note that water‑buffalo milk is richer in fat and protein and is used for dairy products in India and Pakistan, but its nutritional profile does not automatically translate into health benefits for Kenyan consumers, and rigorous food‑safety standards would be required.

Overall, the debate highlights a split between residents demanding evidence of feasibility, safety and economic value before any importation, and those who see potential job creation if a practical implementation plan is established.