Kenya's expenditure on food imports has reached Sh.201Billion

Kenya's food import cost has now reached Sh.201 billion, owing to a reduction in local food output as the country suffers the worst drought in decades. The country's massive import bill has restricted dollar inflows, putting pressure on the shilling versus the dollar and raising the price of local farm produce. In this blog, we will discuss recent statistics on Kenya's expenditure on food imports.

Kenya's food import spending has reached Sh.201 billion.

Kenya's food import bill has risen to Sh.201 billion, owing to a decrease in domestic food production as the country suffers from the worst drought in decades. Because of the country's enormous import bill, dollar inflows have been constrained, putting pressure on the shilling versus the dollar and rising the price of local farm produce.

More than four million Kenyans are currently facing famine, a figure that is growing by the day even as the government and non-state entities continue to provide emergency meals around the country.

According to Kenya Trade Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the country's food import bill in 2022 was Sh183.93 billion, up from Sh155.42 billion in 2021.

Dominic Menjo, a Food Security Advisor in the President's Office, told KNA that the high bill was caused by the high demand for edible oils, rice, white sugar, and wheat due to their limited production domestically.

"As a country, we currently import 84 percent of our locally consumed rice and more than 90 percent of edible oils," Menjo explained, "and the government strives to enhance their local production to arrest the rising bill."

According to Kenya Import Data, the country's import bill for wheat was Sh54.94 billion last year, rice was Sh26.94 billion, maize was Sh20.71 billion, and white sugar was Sh19.12 billion.

The government has introduced a six-month window for the importing of duty-free maize in order to forestall a coming scarcity issue and provide a buffer.

The government has also lately implemented many initiatives to turn around the agriculture sector's fortunes and safeguard the country's food security by increasing local production.

To carry out this objective, the President has launched a registration drive for farmers, launched a fertilizer subsidy program, and announced intentions to build 100 mega and 1,000 medium-sized dams to transition from rain-fed to irrigation agriculture.

According to Menjo, the government plans to use modern farming equipment to enhance productivity and collaborate closely with farmers to make the most use of their resources.

Menjo stated that the action will assist the country in expanding its export value chain by focusing on indigenous products such as tea, coffee, avocado, and other fruits and vegetables.

Benjamin Tito, Director for Agriculture and Food Security, stated during a stakeholders' meeting with 15 County Executive Committee Members (CECM) from crop-rich counties in Naivasha that they have drafted strategies to increase export market productivity. Get Kenya Import Export Data

Tito stated that they are working with county governments to address farmer capacity building and to learn new market demands for the quality and quantity of exports to international markets.

Key points of "Kenya's expenditure on food imports

• Kenya has been spending a significant amount of money on food imports. The total expenditure on food imports has reached Sh.201 billion.
• The food imports include cereals, sugar, palm oil, wheat, and milk powder. These are products that Kenya can produce locally but still relies on imports.
• The high expenditure on food imports has negative effects on the country's economy. It puts pressure on the country's balance of trade, leads to currency depreciation, and increases the country's debt burden. Know about Kenya Trade Data
• The Kenyan government has initiated several programs to promote local food production and reduce reliance on food imports. These programs include subsidizing inputs, providing extension services, and investing in irrigation projects.
• The success of these programs will depend on various factors, including good governance, favorable weather conditions, and the adoption of modern technologies.
• In the long run, reducing the country's reliance on food imports will not only improve the economy but also promote food security and reduce poverty.

Conclusion

So, Kenya has been spending a significant amount of money on food imports. The total expenditure on food imports has reached Sh.201 billion. The food imports include cereals, sugar, palm oil, wheat, and milk powder. These are products that Kenya can produce locally but still relies on imports. Kenyatradedata is the leading Kenya Customs Data and market research Company focusing on data on Kenya's import and export trade. It will assist you in locating the most recent Kenya export and import data. If you require any more assistance with Kenya Shipping Data or Kenya Import Data, our specialists are always here to provide the best services to aid you in expanding your business in the worldwide market.