Making money from the dairy business through yogurt and mala production. A smart value-added venture for dairy entrepreneurs.
With the rising demand for processed dairy products in Kenya, many farmers, cooperatives, and milk bars are turning to value addition in milk as a smart way to increase income. Among the most profitable options are yogurt and mala (fermented milk)—two products loved across Kenyan households, schools, and shops.
Why Start a Yogurt and Mala Production Business in Kenya?
Selling raw milk in Kenya currently fetches between KSh 40 – 60 per litre, depending on region and season.
In contrast:
- Yogurt retails at KSh 120 – 180 per litre
- Mala sells at KSh 90 – 120 per litre
That’s a potential profit margin of 2x to 3x—simply by processing the milk instead of selling it raw. This is why many dairy cooperatives, milk bars, and farmers are investing in small-scale yogurt and mala production units.
How to Make Yogurt and Mala – Step-by-Step Process
✅ For Yogurt:
- Heat milk to 85°C to kill bacteria.
- Cool to 43°C.
- Add yogurt culture (live bacteria).
- Incubate at 42–45°C for 4–6 hours.
- Cool and package.
- Add fruit or flavoring if desired.
✅ For Mala (Fermented Milk):
- Pasteurize milk at 72°C for 15 seconds.
- Cool to 25–30°C.
- Add mala culture or a spoon of existing fermented milk.
- Let it ferment for 12–24 hours at room temperature.
- Refrigerate and package.
Equipment Needed for a Small Yogurt/Mala Start-up in Kenya.
A small-scale dairy value addition line needs:
Milk Pasteurizer - For heat treatment
Yogurt Fermentation Tank - For yogurt and mala fermentation after adding culture or starter, natural yogurt, or mala
Milk Filling Machine, also called cup filler or hopper machine
Cup sealing machine
Plunger - For mixing when necessary.
Refrigerator or Cold Room
All these can be sourced locally from manufacturers like Techwin Limited in Kenya. Techwin also supplies a milk pasteurizer machine that can be used as an incubation/fermentation tank, thus start-ups may not need to buy two tanks at the beginning.
Legal Requirements to Start a Yogurt/Mala Processing Business in Kenya
For all legal guidelines, the Kenya Dairy Board outlines all permits that are needed to process and sell yogurt or mala in Kenya, including;
- Acquiring a Public Health Certificate from the county
- Applying for a Food Handling Certificate for staff
- Getting a Single Business Permit from your local county government
- Registering with the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB)
💡 Final Thoughts for Dairy Entrepreneurs
Whether you’re a dairy processor, small-scale farmer, milk bar, or dairy cooperative, adding value through yogurt and mala production is one of the most profitable dairy business ideas in Kenya today. With proper machinery, hygiene, and legal certification, you can tap into the growing market for healthy, Kenyan-made dairy products.
📞 Need help setting up a yogurt or mala production unit?
Talk to Techwin Limited for customized dairy processing equipment and their KEBS-approved pasteurizers.
Call 0743793878 for a free consultation.
