Agricultural Overview

Agriculture is a major source of livelihood, employing more than 40% of the total population and more than 70% of Kenya's rural population. The sector continues to grow at almost 5% per annum with huge potential for further growth.

Economic Impact

  • 26% direct contribution to GDP
  • 27% indirect contribution through sector linkages
  • Employs 40%+ of total population
  • Supports 70%+ of rural population
  • Growing at 5% annually

Export Products

  • Horticulture and floriculture (cut flowers, fruits, vegetables)
  • Coffee and tea
  • Herbs, spices and nuts
  • Pyrethrum extract and sisal products
  • Pulses and other agricultural products

Kenya Coffee Industry

100% Mild Arabica Coffee - A Specialty Producer

Kenya's coffee has cut a niche for itself in the international arena as the fourth largest foreign exchange earner after tea, tourism and horticulture.

Economic Impact

  • Supports close to 5 million people
  • Contributes about 1% to GDP
  • Accounts for 8% of total agricultural exports
  • Fourth largest foreign exchange earner

Export Markets

  • Traditional Markets: Germany, Belgium, UK, Sweden, Finland
  • Specialty Markets: Premium coffee variants
  • Emerging Markets: Various developing markets

Regional Coffee Flavors

Mt. Kenya Region
  • Murang'a: Medium acidity, full body, grape fruity taste
  • Kiambu: Medium acidity, full body, grape fruity taste
  • Nyeri: Complex sweetish flavor, floral, citrus acidity
  • Kirinyaga: Citrus acidity, full body, blackcurrant flavor
Eastern Region
  • Meru: Bright citrus acidity, berries and chocolate
  • Embu: Bright citrus acidity, berries and chocolate
  • Machakos/Makueni: Medium acidity, chocolate and caramel
Other Regions
  • Rift Valley: Medium acidity, chocolate taste
  • Western: Bright acidity with fruity overtones
  • Kisii: "God's Bath" - medium acidity, medium body
  • Coastal: Medium acidity, full body, fruity

Kenyan Tea | Natural | Fresh | Premium

Kenya is the third largest producer and largest exporter of tea in the world, contributing over 23% to global tea exports.

Growing Conditions

  • 19 tea-growing counties
  • 1,500m - 2,700m above sea level
  • 1,200mm - 1,400mm rainfall annually
  • Year-round production
  • Equatorial location advantage

Industry Statistics

  • 218,000 hectares under tea
  • 473,000 metric tonnes production
  • 90%+ hand-picked tea
  • 5 million people supported
  • Ksh 120 billion export earnings

Kenya Purple Tea - Exclusive to Kenya

Purple tea is a rare tea variety grown in Mt. Kenya and Rift Valley regions, derived from a new crossbred variety of Camellia sinensis.

  • Very rich in anthocyanin (a flavonoid)
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-viral benefits
  • Available in both loose form and tea bags
  • EXCLUSIVE to Kenya

Why Choose Kenya Tea?

  • ✓ No pesticides or agro-chemicals
  • ✓ No additives, preservatives or artificial coloring
  • ✓ Unique flavor profile
  • ✓ Compliance with global food safety standards
  • ✓ Environmental and social certifications

Tea Culture in Kenya

"Anytime is tea time in Kenya" - Tea is served at breakfast, mealtimes, and during regular teatime. It's customary to serve visitors tea and it's an integral part of cultural celebrations, weddings, and homecoming events.

Horticulture & Floriculture

Kenya's horticulture sector is a major economic pillar, contributing 33% of GDP and supporting over 4 million jobs.

Cut Flowers

Kenya is the third largest producer and exporter of cut flowers globally. "From Kenya With Love" - 95% of flowers are exported.

  • • 59% exported to Holland
  • • 14% to United Kingdom
  • • Growing markets: UAE, USA
  • • Main flowers: roses, carnations, alstroemeria

Fruits & Nuts

Kenya's fruit sector has grown by 12% annually between 2005-2015. Major opportunity in processing sector.

  • • 40% of fruit crop currently goes to waste
  • • Only 8% currently processed
  • • Main exports: macadamia, cashew nuts
  • • 27 registered nut processing companies

Herbs & Spices

Emerging niche products gaining popularity in international markets, especially in the EU region.

  • • Chives, basil, coriander
  • • Thyme and rosemary
  • • Tender stem broccoli (TSB)
  • • Destinations: UK, France, Netherlands

Other Key Agricultural Products

Pyrethrum Industry

Kenya has the potential to produce over 20,000 MTs of dry pyrethrum flowers annually, earning over KES 7.5 billion in foreign exchange.

  • • Ideal conditions for high quality pyrethrum
  • • Kenyan pyrethrin has reputation as best in the world
  • • Grown in 19 counties across Kenya
  • • Used as natural insecticides

Dairy Industry

Kenya is one of the largest dairy producers in Sub-Saharan Africa with 5.7 billion litres annual milk production.

  • • 3.5 million improved dairy cattle
  • • 30 active milk processors
  • • Projected 12 billion litres by 2030
  • • Growing 4.5-5% annually

Agriculture Agencies & Resources

Coffee & Tea Agencies

  • Coffee Directorate
  • Tea Board of Kenya
  • KTDA
  • KETEPA
  • KPCU
  • KEPROBA

Other Agricultural Bodies

  • Agriculture and Food Authority
  • Pyrethrum Board of Kenya
  • New Kenya Cooperative Creameries
  • Kenya Nut Company
  • Kenya Flower Council
  • Kenya Sugar Board