How to Start a Milk Bar in Kenya: Equipment, Licences and Menu
- Busy foot traffic matters most: stages, schools, colleges, markets
- Licensing: Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) + county permit and public health
- Core equipment: pasteurizer, chiller or milk ATM, display fridge, work tables
- Sell daily staples (milk, mala, yoghurt) plus snacks to lift each sale
On this page
1. Location
Milk bars do best where people pass morning and evening: bus stages, colleges, hospitals and markets. Seating for a few customers helps sell hot milk, tea and snacks.
2. Licences
- A licence from the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) for selling and processing milk products.
- County business permit and public health approval of the premises and staff.
- KEBS certification if you package and label your own products.
3. Equipment
Pasteurizer (for your own mala, yoghurt and hot milk)
50 Liters Milk pasteuriserKSh 140,000
100l milk pasteuriser kenyaKSh 160,000
200 Liters Milk PasteuriserKSh 210,000
300 liters H-Tech milk pasteuriserKSh 270,000
500 Liters milk pasteuriser machineKSh 320,000| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Liters Milk pasteuriser | 50 L | KSh 140,000 |
| 100l milk pasteuriser kenya | 100 L | KSh 160,000 |
| 200 Liters Milk Pasteuriser | 200 L | KSh 210,000 |
| 300 liters H-Tech milk pasteuriser | 300 L | KSh 270,000 |
| 500 Liters milk pasteuriser machine | 500 L | KSh 320,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Milk pasteurizers price list.
Display fridge for packed products
| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK) | 200 L | KSh 32,000 |
| 280 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK) | 280 L | KSh 36,000 |
| 400 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK) | 400 L | KSh 43,000 |
| 650 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK) | 650 L | KSh 60,000 |
| Double Door Display Fridge(EX-UK) | – | KSh 78,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Display fridges price list.
Stainless work tables and sinks
| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 by 4 stainlss steel working table without rack | – | KSh 20,000 |
| 2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rack | – | KSh 25,000 |
| Double sink with table | – | KSh 68,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Stainless steel fabrication.
Selling loose milk to take away? Add a milk ATM.
4. A menu that sells
- Fresh milk (hot and cold), mala, yoghurt.
- Tea, porridge and snacks such as mandazi and samosas.
- Take-home packs in the evening.
5. Keep quality high
- Pasteurize and cool quickly; keep cold products at 4–6 °C.
- Clean equipment daily (see how to clean dairy equipment).
- Rotate stock: first in, first out.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment do I need to start a milk bar?
A pasteurizer, a chiller or milk ATM, a display fridge, stainless work tables and a sink, plus utensils.
Do I need a KDB licence for a milk bar?
Yes. Milk retail and processing are licensed by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), plus county permits.
How much does a pasteurizer cost?
H-TECH batch pasteurizers cost KSh 140,000 to KSh 320,000 depending on batch size.
Can I make my own yoghurt and mala?
Yes, with a pasteurizer and proper incubation; see the yoghurt business guide.