The Gross Value Added (GVA) for Kenya’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector reached an impressive Ksh 3.3 trillion in 2023, marking continuous growth over recent years. Crop production led the sector, contributing 70.7% of the GVA, followed by animal production at 17.3%.
The area under food crops expanded significantly from 4.9 million hectares in 2022 to 5.37 million hectares in 2023, with total production rising from 8.5 million tonnes to 10.7 million tonnes. This growth was driven by favourable weather, government fertilizer subsidies, and increased private-sector investments.
Coffee acreage grew by 2.3% to 111,900 hectares in 2023, though production dropped from 51,900 tonnes to 48,400 tonnes due to adverse weather and Coffee Berry Disease (CBD). Conversely, tea acreage increased to 227,800 hectares, with green leaf production rising from 2.27 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.42 million tonnes in 2023.
Sugar production declined by a staggering 40.8% to 473,900 tonnes, largely due to the temporary closure of 10 milling factories caused by a shortage of mature sugarcane. Consequently, sugar imports nearly doubled to 608,200 tonnes.
In contrast, pyrethrum production flourished, with acreage more than doubling to 9,362 acres and production increasing from 941.9 tonnes to 1,680 tonnes. Government programs supporting seedling distribution and agronomic training were key to this success.
Production of macadamia and coconut increased by 8.6% and 13.9%, respectively, although macadamia export earnings fell by 41.6% to Ksh 7.1 billion due to lower international prices.
Livestock meat production increased to 556,700 tonnes, valued at Ksh 305 billion in 2023, compared to 464,500 tonnes in 2022. Dairy output, Kenya’s second-largest livestock enterprise, rose by 14% to 5.2 billion kilograms of milk, valued at Ksh 312.7 billion.
Fish production declined by 7.1% in 2023, totalling 161,300 tonnes valued at Ksh 35.9 billion, down from 173,700 tonnes in 2022. Inland capture fisheries accounted for 89,700 tonnes, with marine and aquaculture contributing 40,000 and 31,700 tonnes, respectively.
The overall growth in agriculture was fueled by favourable weather, government interventions, and private-sector participation. However, challenges like adverse weather, disease outbreaks, factory closures, and fluctuating global markets impacted production in specific sub-sectors.
Kenya’s agriculture sector continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, reflecting its critical role in the nation’s economy.
