Nairobi, March 8 -- Milk processors have been protected from competition after the Kenya Dairy Board ordered the indefinite suspension of milk powder imports.

The regulator said rains are expected this month, an outcome that will significantly boost local milk production and reduce the need for imports.

"In anticipation of the long rains, the government has stopped the importation of milk powders to cushion the industry from surplus production and low producer prices," the board's managing director Margaret Kibogy wrote to milk powder importers in a letter dated March 6.

"Consequently, the board has temporarily suspended the issuance of these import permits until further notice."

The regulator said it will continue to monitor the prod...