Here are some of the opportunities in the agricultural sector in Kenya. Agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy, providing livelihoods for about 75% of the population.
There is ample scope for diversification and growth in the agricultural sector, particularly in terms of accelerating food crop production and developing non-traditional exports. Improving technological infrastructure, particularly packaging, storage and transport facilities, is important. In addition, profitable investments in irrigation intensification and processing can yield profits.
Investment opportunities include: seed production, sprayer and pesticide manufacturing, veterinary services, dam and borehole construction, irrigation systems, cold storage and refrigerated transport
Horticulture – Prospective export products for investors include cut flowers, French beans, pineapples, mushrooms, asparagus, mango, macadamia nuts, avocado, passion fruit, melons and carrots.
Agro-processing – Processing of edible oil, tea, meat, dairy, beer, grape wine, coffee roasting, sugar, chocolate and confectionery.
Poultry – In the poultry sector, chicken hatcheries are currently underutilized, which opens up opportunities for their development to meet both domestic and regional consumer demand.
Fisheries – Kenya has abundant fisheries potential due to the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria and numerous freshwater lakes. Deep sea fisheries, shrimp and trout farming are currently in their early stages but are experiencing rapid growth. Opportunities also exist in fish processing, such as filleting and fishmeal production, and in fisheries support infrastructure, such as refrigerated transport and cold storage.
Leather and Leather Products The leather industry mainly processes hides to the wet bluing stage and markets them for export. However, there are investment opportunities in finished leather production, which could lead to footwear and other leather goods.
Livestock – There are opportunities in raising livestock for meat and milk production. Non-traditional livestock farming such as ostrich farming, crocodile farming, beekeeping and honey processing