Kenya’s agriculture sector posted positive growth in 2024, despite challenges posed by erratic rainfall. According to the latest economic data, the sector grew by 4.6 percent, driven by improved crop and livestock production, favorable long rains, and sustained government support. While the growth was slower than the 6.6 percent recorded in 2023, it reflects a resilient sector that adapted well to changing weather conditions and logistical challenges.
The long rains season between March and May brought above-average precipitation, which helped offset the negative effects of the October–November–December (OND) short rains that were inconsistent. This enabled better yields in several crop categories and helped stabilize agricultural output across various regions.
Value addition in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector rose from Sh1,634.1 billion in 2023 to Sh1,706.0 billion in 2024. While overall production improved, some key crops faced setbacks due to weather variability. For instance, maize production dropped by 6.1 percent, from 47.6 million bags in 2023 to 44.7 million bags in 2024. Potato yields also declined slightly, falling from 2.3 million tonnes to 2.2 million tonnes.
However, these declines were offset by increases in the production of other crops. Beans production rose from 9.6 million bags to 10 million bags, and sorghum output also improved. Coffee production registered a modest increase of 1.6 percent, rising from 48.7 thousand tonnes to 49.5 thousand tonnes. The coffee sub-sector saw a significant financial gain, with earnings soaring by 48.6 percent to Sh29.6 billion, thanks to higher global prices.
Tea production benefited from favorable rainfall in key growing areas. Green leaf tea production climbed by 4.2 percent, from 2,577.8 thousand tonnes in 2023 to 2,687.2 thousand tonnes in 2024. The output of processed tea also rose, growing by 4.9 percent to reach 598.5 thousand tonnes.
Sugarcane production experienced the most dramatic growth, surging by 68.7 percent from 5.6 million tonnes to 9.4 million tonnes. This marked turnaround was attributed to improved farm-level practices and renewed investments in the sugar sector.
The livestock sub-sector maintained its upward trajectory. Camels slaughtered saw the highest increase at 29.9 percent, followed by cattle and calves at 17.9 percent. Slaughter rates for sheep and goats increased by 8.0 percent, while pigs rose by 7.9 percent. Milk production also improved slightly, reaching 5.3 billion litres—a 1.0 percent increase. The quantity of marketed milk rose more significantly, up 12.0 percent to 908.4 million litres, resulting in a 17.4 percent increase in milk earnings, which reached Sh60 billion.
While many parts of the agriculture sector thrived, the horticultural sub-sector struggled due to export challenges. Export volumes of fresh horticultural produce declined by 14.1 percent, from 468.4 thousand tonnes in 2023 to 402.2 thousand tonnes in 2024. Corresponding earnings dropped by 12.8 percent to Sh136.6 billion. Fresh vegetable exports were hit hardest, plummeting by more than 50 percent. Cut flower exports also declined, falling by 11.9 percent due to disruptions at key logistics hubs, partially caused by geopolitical tensions affecting trade routes.
Despite these setbacks, fruit exports showed resilience, increasing from 188.1 thousand tonnes to 225.4 thousand tonnes. The fisheries sector also showed growth, with fish landings rising by 4.4 percent to 168.4 thousand tonnes, generating revenues of Sh39.6 billion, up by 10.4 percent. Apiculture experienced notable expansion, with honey production increasing by 13.5 percent and beeswax output growing by 25.8 percent.
Overall, the agriculture sector demonstrated resilience and adaptability, underscoring the importance of supportive policies, favorable weather in critical seasons, and the role of diversified production in ensuring sectoral growth.
