The agriculture sector has broken free from the negative growth trend seen since 2021, with a notable growth of 7% reported in 2023, according to a recent report by the Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The 2024 economic survey report by KNBS highlights a resurgence in the agriculture sector, particularly in tea exports, which outperformed other products in the international market. “The impressive performance in tea trade, with a value of Sh176.3 billion in 2023, signifies a positive shift in our agricultural exports,” stated a KNBS representative.
Trade in maize also saw a substantial increase, climbing from Sh7.9 billion in 2022 to Sh11.3 billion in 2023, making it the second most traded commodity in the country. However, the value of coffee sales experienced a decline, dropping to Sh19.9 billion in 2023.
Additionally, horticultural product trade surged from Sh147.1 billion in 2022 to Sh153.7 billion in 2023, while milk product trade rose to Sh41 billion in the same period.
The report further revealed a decrease in fish imports by 7.1%, with the total value declining to Sh35.9 billion in 2023. Despite challenges in the mineral sector, the country’s exports grew by 15.4% to reach Sh10 trillion, contributing positively to the trade balance.
This positive growth trajectory in the agriculture sector signals a promising outlook for Kenya’s economy in the coming years.