A new report has sounded the alarm over the dire state of Kenya’s agricultural land, with findings revealing that only 20% of the country’s soil remains suitable for food production. The Soil Health Report 2025, launched alongside the Soil Atlas Kenya Edition, highlights severe degradation, posing a significant threat to food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.
Experts warn that soil is a critical but often overlooked resource. Beyond its role in food production, it plays a key function in carbon storage, mitigating climate change by holding more carbon than vegetation and the atmosphere combined. However, soil degradation in Kenya is accelerating at an alarming rate. An estimated 26 tons of soil per hectare is lost annually due to erosion, and soil salinization affects 40% of irrigated land, severely hampering productivity.
Speaking at the launch, Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boll Foundation, emphasized the necessity of soil conservation. “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most undervalued resources. Its health influences the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe,” he stated.
The report attributes the crisis to excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, monoculture farming, and deforestation. Alarmingly, 63% of Kenya’s arable land is affected by acidity, 80% of soils suffer from phosphorus deficiency, and 75% have depleted organic carbon levels, drastically reducing fertility and microbial activity.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator for Agroecology and Food Rights at the Heinrich Boll Foundation, advocates for a shift toward agroecology. Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30%, reducing reliance on costly synthetic fertilizers. “Agroecology offers a sustainable path by integrating biodiversity, soil management, and organic inputs such as compost and biopesticides,” he noted.
Organic farmer Sylvia Kuria stressed the urgency of soil restoration. “Soil is not infinite; it requires care and investment. Protecting and restoring soil health is crucial for food security and climate resilience.”
While Kenyan farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices like composting and agroforestry, challenges remain. The dominance of agrochemical corporations, some selling pesticides banned in the EU, continues to hinder reform. The government, however, is taking steps toward promoting organic fertilizers and regulating agro-input dealers.
With the Soil Atlas 2025 providing crucial data-driven insights, stakeholders urge policymakers to scale up support for sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs to safeguard Kenya’s food future.
