Kenya’s overreliance on food imports is a major threat to national food security and a significant contributor to the country’s rising debt, according to Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. Speaking on Spice FM on Thursday, Kinyanjui emphasized the urgent need for Kenya to boost local agricultural production to reduce import dependency.
The CS pointed out that Kenya imports nearly 90% of its wheat, despite possessing a favorable climate for wheat cultivation. He lamented that regions such as Nakuru, Eldoret, and Nanyuki, which have the potential for wheat production, are currently operating at less than 40% of their capacity. Kinyanjui challenged policymakers and farmers to bridge this gap and improve domestic production, thereby reducing the need for costly imports.
“We are in a system that is so dependent on imports, and that creates a deficit situation. If every solution, from food to clothing to healthcare, is foreign-oriented, it means we will forever be in debt,” he noted.
Kinyanjui highlighted the unpredictability in Kenya’s agricultural sector, describing it as a “casino business” where farmers gamble with their livelihoods, unsure of market prices for their produce. He stressed that this uncertainty has made it difficult for farmers to secure loans, further stifling agricultural investment and productivity.
According to Kinyanjui, the government must take responsibility for reversing this trend. He revealed that his ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to formulate strategies that enhance food security and reduce import dependency.
“It is the responsibility of governments to try and reverse that equation so that in every aspect, if it’s food, we get to self-sustainable levels. Before we work on anything else, we must work on our food security because that is where most of our bill goes,” Kinyanjui stated.
As Kenya grapples with its debt burden, prioritizing food security will not only reduce expenditure on imports but also create jobs and boost economic growth. A strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in food production will be critical in achieving long-term economic stability and sustainability.
