Browse Data and Analysis

Kenya’s economy grew robustly over the past decade, driven by a youthful population, a growing middle class, and significant expansion in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

As a result of the increase in the 2025/26 production estimate, the 2025/26 wheat import forecast is reduced to 1 million tons.

This report complements the FAIRS Annual Country Report for Kenya and provides information on certificates required by the Government of Kenya to export food and agricultural products into the country.

This report provides updates on Kenya’s import requirements and regulations for food and agricultural products. It includes applicable laws, guidelines, import procedures, and contact details of key trade regulatory and specialist agencies.

Pakistan is an important market for U.S. food and agricultural-related products, with U.S. exports surpassing $910 million in 2024.

FAS/Nairobi forecasts a 13.3 percent increase in Kenya’s coffee production in the marketing year (MY) 2025/26 to 850,000 bags due to improved farm practices, as farmers respond to high prices in MY 2024/25.

FAS/Nairobi forecasts a 19.8 percent drop in Kenya’s MY 2025/26 sugar production to 650,000 metric tons, from 810,000 metric ton (MT) in MY 2024/25, on an expected reduction in harvested area and lower sugar extraction rates.

Sugar production in 2025/26 is projected to reach 6.6 million tons, which is 13.7 percent higher than the 2024/25 estimated production. This increase is based on expectations for improved sugar content and average cane yield.

Wheat production is projected to fall to 27.5 million tons in 2025/26 due to a decrease in cultivated area and extremely dry weather. This shortfall in domestic production is expected to lead to increased imports, forecast at 1.7 million tons.

Following the resumption of genetically engineered soybean imports after two years, soybean imports are forecast to rebound to 2 million tons in 2025/26. With a slight increase in domestic production expected, rapeseed imports are forecast to decline.

Driven by a minor increase in area and assuming average yields, cotton production is expected to increase somewhat in 2025/26. With expectations for continued strong export demand, domestic use is forecast to grow modestly in 2025/26.

On Friday, March 7, 2025, Kenya’s Court of Appeal put a hold on the trade and cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) products until an appeal filed by the Kenya Peasants League is fully heard.