Agribusiness in Kenya

Kenya’s high rainfall areas constitute about 10% of Kenya’s arable land and produce 70% of its national commercial agricultural output. Farmers in semi-arid regions produce about 20% of the output while the arid regions account for the remaining 10% of the output. Productivity remains relatively low in all the regions due to poor incentives, and underdeveloped supporting infrastructure and institutions. Since 2013, Kenya has been undertaking agricultural sector reforms that are expected to spur growth. A new regulatory framework, arising from the consolidation and harmonization of the sectoral laws, is under implementation.

Although Kenya perennially faces supply deficits in most of its food sectors, the country continues to use instruments under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) agreements to limit food imports. Both agreements provide for high non-member tariffs on sensitive commodities, including meat, dairy poultry, maize, rice, wheat, and beans. Subsidies still exist in certain sectors, especially in the seed and fertilizer systems.

Resources

Tegemeo Institute, Egerton University

Kenya Flower Council (KFC)

Ministry of Agriculture  

Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK)

Fresh Produce Exporters of Kenya (FPEAK)

For more information on the Agriculture sector please contact:

Catherine Malinda

Commercial Assistant

U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy Nairobi

U.S. Department of Commerce | International Trade Administration

Tel: +254 (20) 363-6064; Catherine.Malinda@trade.gov

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