Top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year

Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year

Within the East African country, more than 75% of the agricultural production is produced by smallholder farmers.

For millions of people, crops continue to be the main source of income and nourishment, whether they are grown for commercial purposes or as subsistence.

Kenyan crops such as tea, coffee, cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits are quite popular in overseas markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

While maize, beans, rice, and potatoes are staple crops that help people satisfy their dietary demands. Maize, for instance, is a staple diet in many Kenyan homes.

Consistent production of these crops assures food availability and price stability, which are inextricably related to social and political stability.

Food shortages and price increases have traditionally caused unrest, demonstrating how important crops are to national security and cohesion.

Additionally, crops have fueled the expansion of the agro-processing sector. For example, tea and coffee have developed processing industries that add value before products are exported, while sugarcane sustains sugar mills in western Kenya.

These sectors raise the value of Kenyan goods on the international market in addition to creating jobs.

Furthermore, under Kenya’s industrialization goal, crops like cotton are essential for the textile and garment industries.

Crops make a considerable contribution to Kenya’s GDP. During economic crises, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, agriculture remained one of the most resilient industries, cushioning the economy when tourism and services fell.

Crop farming’s potential to support the economy during crises makes it an important sector in economic planning and recovery measures.

Given the aforementioned dynamics, the mass production of Kenyan crops not only for domestic use but also for exportation cannot be overstated.

In 2024, there was a 7.2% growth in marketed agricultural production, which fetched KSh69 billion.

With that said, here are the 5 crops that were produced the most in Kenya in 2024, measured in millions of tonnes, according to the Economic Survey Report.