The Kenyan government is working to reduce wheat imports by supporting local farmers to increase production. The goal is to cut imports by 17 percent by 2027, thereby expanding the market share for domestic farmers.
Currently, local wheat production accounts for only 8 percent, while imports make up 92 percent of the total supply. To address this imbalance, authorities are implementing bold strategies to boost local production.
One of the key strategies involves ensuring the availability and uptake of clean seeds, allowing for the expansion of the area under wheat cultivation. The government, under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is addressing challenges in the wheat industry through initiatives such as subsidized fertilizer programs, enforcement of minimum guaranteed prices, e-extension services, soil testing, and improved seed varieties.
Recognizing Kenya as a wheat-deficit country, authorities plan to engage various stakeholders across the value chain to identify and resolve challenges in the sector.
National wheat demand ranges between 2.2 million and 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. In 2023, Kenya’s wheat production stood at 135,000 metric tonnes, significantly below the annual consumption of 2.2 million metric tonnes. The deficit of approximately 1.9 million to 2.2 million metric tonnes has been covered through imports, primarily from Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union.
To increase production, specific counties have been identified for wheat expansion, including Laikipia, Samburu, and Marsabit. These regions have favorable conditions for wheat farming and can accommodate existing wheat varieties such as Farasi, Kangaroo, and Sungura, which are commonly grown in traditional wheat-producing areas. In addition, efforts are being made to enhance wheat productivity in traditional growing regions like Narok, Timau, and Mau.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, the total local wheat harvested is estimated at 1,710,358 (90kg) bags. Millers have already procured 1,388,762 bags from August to date. The wheat available with farmers and marketing agents stands at approximately 321,596 bags, with the bulk being in Upper Narok, which holds 130,828 bags. An additional 80,000 bags are expected to be harvested in Upper Narok and Timau.
In the last eight months, Kenya has imported 1,407,129 metric tonnes of wheat, equivalent to 15,634,767 bags. This is against a projected allocation of 3,246,000 metric tonnes or 36 million bags.
A survey conducted in 2021 revealed a continuous decline in wheat production over the years, while imports have been rising. In 2010, local production stood at 256,000 metric tonnes but had fallen to approximately 180,000 metric tonnes by 2020. Over the same period, wheat imports rose from 845,000 metric tonnes to 2.2 million metric tonnes.
The decline in local production has been attributed to increasing costs, low farm-gate prices, and low productivity. Additionally, land subdivision and short-term land leases have hindered the adoption of modern agricultural technologies such as conservation farming.
By implementing strategic interventions, the government aims to revitalize wheat production and reduce reliance on imports, ensuring food security and a stable income for local farmers.
