Group of Food Grains
- Maize: Maize is the most important food crop in Kenya and is a staple food for the Kenyan population. It occupies a large portion of agricultural land, making Kenya the second-largest maize producer in the East African region, after Tanzania. Maize production is highly dependent on climate, particularly rainfall.
- Wheat: Wheat is grown in moderately temperate areas like Narok and is the second most important crop after maize. Local production meets Kenya’s needs and is also exported to neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania. The demand for wheat has increased since the mid-1960s due to urbanization.
Group of Sugar and Stimulant Crops
- Sugarcane: This crop requires fertile soil and is known to exhaust the land. It is a vital crop in Kenya.
- Coffee: Kenya is renowned for its coffee production, which requires high temperatures and is sensitive to climate changes. Due to its significant production, Kenya is a member of the International Coffee Organization.
- Tea: Kenya is a leading producer and exporter of tea in Africa, making it one of the country’s most important export crops.
Group of Fiber Crops
- Cotton: Cotton is a fiber crop derived from seeds and is one of the important crops in Kenya, following maize in significance.
- Sisal: This is a fiber crop derived from leaves and is one of Kenya’s key resources, making Kenya the second-largest producer globally, after Brazil.
Horticultural Crops
- Flowers: Kenya is one of the largest flower exporters in the world, ranking fourth globally. Flowers represent over 40% of the value of horticultural exports.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Kenya excels in producing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables due to its fertile and expansive lands. Notable products include the yellow sweet potato, which has seen increased demand due to its high Vitamin A content. Kenya also produces a wide range of fruits such as mangoes, strawberries, avocados, pineapples, and macadamia nuts, along with vegetables like peas, eggplant, peppers, and okra.
These crops form a significant part of Kenya’s economy and are essential for sustaining food security and economic development in the country.
