Kenya’s dependence on food imports continues to strain the country’s food security and contribute to economic deficits, according to Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.
Speaking on Spice FM on Thursday, Kinyanjui emphasized that heavy reliance on imports has worsened the country’s trade balance and increased its debt burden. He pointed out that Kenya imports nearly ninety percent of its wheat despite having favorable conditions for large-scale local production.
“Kenya imports nearly ninety percent of its wheat, yet in areas of Nakuru, Eldoret, and Nanyuki, we are barely doing forty percent of our capacity. Why can’t we explore the other forty so we can reduce our imports? The weather is right, why are we not doing this?” Kinyanjui posed.
The CS further highlighted that agricultural production in Kenya remains unpredictable, making it difficult for farmers to secure financial support. He noted that many farmers struggle with determining what to plant and how to sell their produce, leading to financial instability in the sector.
“There’s a lot of casino business in agriculture. A farmer who produces maize does not know how much he or she will sell it for,” he said.
Kinyanjui stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to address these challenges and ensure food self-sufficiency. He revealed that his ministry is collaborating with the Agriculture Ministry and other stakeholders to develop strategies aimed at boosting local food production.
“It is the responsibility of governments to try and reverse that equation so that in every aspect, if it’s food, how do we get to self-sustainable levels,” he added.
The CS emphasized that achieving food security should be a priority as the country works to service its debts and strengthen its economy.
