As the morning sun casts golden rays over the Saretho town in arid plains of northern Kenya, Sade Ali Warsame begins the day by milking the camels — an age-old practice now gaining new economic traction.

Long overshadowed by cow’s milk, camel milk is emerging as a powerhouse product, driving livelihoods, improving nutrition, and attracting investors across the Horn of Africa.

The camel is no longer just the “ship of the desert” — it is fast becoming the engine of a growing rural economy.

“Camel milk is our lifeline,” says Sade, a member of a local cooperative in Garissa County, speaking on World Camel Day.

“During droughts, our cows die, but camels survive. Their milk sustains us and earns us income,” he told Radio Generation.

Rich in iron, vitamin C, and with lower fat and lactose content than cow's milk, camel milk has been dubbed a “superfood” by nutritionists.

It is also hailed for its potential health benefits for people with diabetes, autism, and autoimmune diseases, though more research is ongoing.

Kenya’s camel population is estimated at over 3 million, the largest in East Africa, with major herds in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Turkana counties.

For decades, camel milk was consumed locally or sold informally. But in recent years, formal camel milk processing has taken root, especially with urban demand on the rise.

In Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, camel milk is now found in restaurants, supermarkets, health food stores, and cafes, often marketed as an alternative to cow or plant-based milk.

Tawakal Women Group has turned their fortunes around through camel milk, transporting it daily to the bus stage for delivery to Nairobi.

On a typical day, the women gather at their depot in Isiolo town to prepare 300 litres of fresh camel milk destined for Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Eastleigh is a busy Nairobi neighborhood known for its Somali population and vibrant trade, making it a key market for camel milk from northern Kenya.

The group receives the milk every afternoon and stores it in refrigerators and cold rooms.

“We get our supply from herders neighboring Garissa and Meru counties. We have to refrigerate the milk to keep it fresh for the Nairobi market,” said Mama Golicha, a member of the women’s group.

“Urban consumers are curious about camel milk’s benefits. We're now supplying retailers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and even exporting small quantities to the Gulf.”

However, challenges remain. “Milk collection from pastoralists is still inefficient,” Golicha notes. “Infrastructure in remote areas is poor, and we lose a lot to spoilage.”

To address this, camel milk cooperatives are stepping up. In Wajir County, the Wajir Camel Milk Association links over 600 women to bulk collection centers, ensuring better prices and hygiene training.

“Before, women sold milk for 20 shillings a litre. Now we earn between 70 - 80 shillings,” says Barwaqo Mohamed, a member of the association.

“With steady income, we’re paying school fees and supporting families.”

The herders receive support from actors across the camel milk value chain and work in close collaboration with the Wajir County Government, particularly through the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Services.

The initiative aims to improve climate resilience and foster sustainable livelihoods in pastoral communities, with a particular focus on poor households, women, and youth engaged in livestock.

Support from NGOs, the national government, and private investors is also expanding the sector. The Kenya Camel Milk Development Initiative, launched in 2022, has funded cold storage units, veterinary services, and training for herders.

Globally, the camel milk market is valued at over $10 billion, with growing demand in the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Kenya, with its large herds and rich pastoral knowledge, is positioning itself as a potential exporter.

Yet experts caution that scaling up must be inclusive and sustainable.

“The camel milk boom must benefit pastoralists — not just middlemen,” says Dr. Mahat Abdihamid, a livestock economist.

“It’s not just an economic product, but a cultural asset and a survival tool for drought-prone communities.”

The growth of Kenya’s camel milk sector is a testament to adaptation, innovation, and a transforming future — one litre at a time.