It is projected to rise to $88 billion (Sh8.8 trillion) by 2022. The crop, however, is yet to take root in Kenya on a large scale. But studies done by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) have shown that the oil palm tree can grow along the Equator, particularly in Western Kenya.
Where does Kenya import palm oil?
Imports In 2022, Kenya imported $1.28B in Palm Oil, becoming the 10th largest importer of Palm Oil in the world. At the same year, Palm Oil was the 2nd most imported product in Kenya. Kenya imports Palm Oil primarily from: Malaysia ($859M), Indonesia ($291M), Cote d’Ivoire ($57M), Singapore ($36.2M), and Thailand ($16.1M).
How much does Kenya spend on palm oil?
According to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Willie Bett, the country spends over Ksh 16 billion (about $1.6 million) annually on imported palm oil. Growing the plant domestically would reduce this cost while opening new income streams for farmers, officials said.
Could oil palms become an alternative cash crop in Kenya?
But studies done by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) have shown that the oil palm tree can grow along the Equator, particularly in Western Kenya. This means oil palm could become an alternative cash crop for residents of Western and Nyanza regions, who mainly rely on sugarcane farming.