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Business Insider
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year
In Kenya, crops are the foundation of rural livelihoods. The agricultural sector employs more than 70% of the rural population, and many of them depend on crop farming as their main source of income. Top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 most produced crops in Kenya by quantity. This list is courtesy of the Economic Survey report by KNBS. Sugar cane was the most produced crop in Kenya last year. Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year Within the East African country, more than 75% of the agricultural production is produced by smallholder farmers. For millions of people, crops continue to be the main source of income and nourishment, whether they are grown for commercial purposes or as subsistence. Kenyan crops such as tea, coffee, cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits are quite popular in overseas markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Kenyan farmers (joshuastruth) While maize, beans, rice, and potatoes are staple crops that help people satisfy their dietary demands. Maize, for instance, is a staple diet in many Kenyan homes. Consistent production of these crops assures food availability and price stability, which are inextricably related to social and political stability. Food shortages and price increases have traditionally caused unrest, demonstrating how important crops are to national security and cohesion. Additionally, crops have fueled the expansion of the agro-processing sector. For example, tea and coffee have developed processing industries that add value before products are exported, while sugarcane sustains sugar mills in western Kenya. These sectors raise the value of Kenyan goods on the international market in addition to creating jobs. Furthermore, under Kenya's industrialization goal, crops like cotton are essential for the textile and garment industries. Crops make a considerable contribution to Kenya's GDP. During economic crises, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, agriculture remained one of the most resilient industries, cushioning the economy when tourism and services fell. Crop farming's potential to support the economy during crises makes it an important sector in economic planning and recovery measures. Given the aforementioned dynamics, the mass production of Kenyan crops not only for domestic use but also for exportation cannot be overstated. In 2024, there was a 7.2% growth in marketed agricultural production, which fetched KSh69 billion. With that said, here are the 5 crops that were produced the most in Kenya in 2024, measured in millions of tonnes, according to the Economic Survey Report. Top 5 most produced crops in Kenya in its last fiscal year Rank Crops Amount produced in million tonnes 1. Sugar cane 9,365.3 2. Green leaf tea 2,687.2 3. Fresh horticulture produce 402.2 4. Wheat 312.2 5. Rice 282.2
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 5 private sectors that employed the most Kenyans in its last fiscal year
Kenya's job market offers a complicated mix of developments and persistent challenges. As the country's economy goes through a recovery phase, structural problems affect workforce stability and employment opportunities. Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 private sectors that employ the most Kenyans. This list is courtesy of the Economic Survey report by KNBS. Manufacturing in the private sector provided the most jobs for Kenyans. According to the most recent Economic Survey report by the Kenyan Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), there was a 2.4% growth in formal sector employment in 2024. During the year, the informal sector accounted for 83.6% of all employment in the country, with roughly 17.4 million people operating in this broad market. 'The informal sector created 703.7 thousand new jobs, which constituted 90.0 per cent of all new jobs created, with the exclusion of small-scale agriculture. Further, the total number of self-employed and unpaid family workers within the modern sector was estimated to have increased by 1.8 per cent to 175.5 thousand in 2024,' the report revealed. While the private sector accounted for just 16.4% of all employment, it boasted only 3.4 million people, underscoring the lack of job opportunities outside of make-shift industries. The prevalence of informal employment limits access to social protections and stable incomes. Youth Unemployment. High unemployment rates among youth contribute to social unrest and hinder economic progress. In April 2025, Kenya's private sector enjoyed its fastest growth in 27 months, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which increased to 52.0 from 51.7 in March. This expansion was fueled by strong client demand, which led to increased output, purchasing, and job creation, particularly in the services, agricultural, and construction sectors, as seen on Reuters. Despite the positive momentum, company forecasts were among the lowest in the survey's history, with only 5% of enterprises expecting an output increase over the next year. The PMI survey showed strong improvements in the services, agricultural, and construction sectors, but reduced sales in manufacturing and wholesale & retail. In Kenya, the private sector continues to be a key driver of employment and economic expansion. Even if recent developments show encouraging momentum, overcoming current obstacles and ensuring inclusive, sustainable development will require coordinated efforts. Kenya can fully utilize its private sector to promote economic growth and job creation by addressing structural problems and creating an environment that is conducive to private enterprise. With that said, here are the private sectors where most Kenyans were employed in 2024, according to the Economic Survey Report. Top 5 private sectors that employed the most Kenyans in its last fiscal year Rank Sector Number of employment 1. Manufacturing 347,294 2. Agriculture, forestry and fishing 308,865 3. Wholesale and retail trade; Motor vehicle repair shops 276,127 4. Education 242,536 5. Construction 223,383
Fibre2Fashion
14-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Kenya's garment-textile export sector anxious as AGOA expires in Sept
As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is scheduled to expire in September this year, uncertainty looms over 66,000 jobs in Kenya's garment and textile export sector. The AGOA agreement, introduced in 2000 by the United States, was aimed at helping sub-Saharan African countries become part of the global market system. It was initially set for 15 years, but was extended in 2015 for another decade. President Donald Trump administration's push for reciprocal trade deals has created anxiety among countries that benefit from AGOA. As the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is scheduled to expire in September, uncertainty looms over 66,000 jobs in Kenya's garment and textile export sector. Despite President William Ruto reassuring businesses in December 2024 that the pact will be renewed, the US administration's push for reciprocal trade deals has created anxiety among countries that benefit from AGOA. Despite Kenyan President William Ruto reassuring businesses during a speech in December last year that the agreement will be renewed, the country, a key beneficiary of the trade deal, now faces a tense wait to see if its biggest trade opportunity will survive beyond September, according to domestic media outlets. According to the 2025 Economic Survey released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the number of workers in companies accredited to export under the AGOA pact rose to 66,804 in 2024, a year-on-year (YoY) rise of 15.18 per cent compared to 58,002 in 2023. The sharp rise in employment followed growing demand for Kenyan apparel ahead of the anticipated end of the duty- and quota-free trade arrangement. This job growth marked a strong recovery after the sector lost over 8,200 jobs in 2023. Employment had dropped by 12.46 per cent from 66,260 in 2022 due to declining global textile sales triggered by high inflation that reduced household spending. The 40 firms operating within export processing zones under AGOA also scaled up their capital investments by 21.1 per cent to Sh38.27 billion in 2024. As a result, earnings from exports jumped by 19.20 per cent to reach Sh60.57 billion in 2024. This was the highest export growth since 2018, when export earnings rose by 25.80 per cent to nearly Sh41.58 billion. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Top 5 products Kenya sold the most in its last fiscal year
In the 2024–2025 financial year, Kenya's total national government spending was projected to increase by 12% to KSh 3,605.20 billion. In light of this Kenyan export soared to KSh1,112.3 billion. Business Insider Africa presents the top products Kenya exported the most in its last fiscal year. This list is courtesy of the Economic Survey report by KNBS. Kenya's Horticulture exports generated the most revenue. In the same fiscal year, recurrent expenditures are projected to make up 86.1% of total national expenditures. This data is according to the Economic Survey report by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics, which also showed that the GDP growth rate in the East African Community was 4.7%, revised from 5.4%. However, for Kenya specifically, GDP growth decreased to 4.7% from a revised rise of 5.7%. 'Nominal GDP: Rose to KSh 16,224.5 billion in 2024 from KSh 15,033.6 billion in 2023,' the report states. In light of these economic indices, Kenya's exports grew in the period under review, compared to the previous fiscal year. 'Exports grew by 10.4% to KSh1,112.3 billion,' the report reveals. As highlighted by the report, Kenya's exports are critical to driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, producing foreign money, and expanding regional and global trade relationships. As a critical component of the country's economy, the export industry not only increases national income but also improves the country's integration into the global market. Tea, coffee, cut flowers, vegetables, and fruits are quite popular in overseas markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The foreign money gained from these exports helps to meet the country's import demands, stabilize the Kenyan shilling, and manage the balance of payments. Agricultural exports, in particular, employ a significant section of Kenya's workforce. Horticulture and floriculture create thousands of jobs in farming, packing, shipping, and distribution. Increased demand for Kenyan products overseas encourages local industries to develop, hire more people, and reduce unemployment. With that said, here are the products Kenya exported the most in its last fiscal year. Top 5 products Kenya sold the most in its last fiscal year Rank Country Exports in 2024 (KSh in Billions) 1. Horiculture KSh203.6 billion 2. Tea KSh189.1 billion 3. Apparel & Clothing KSh56.8 billion 4. Coffee (unroasted) KSh38.4 billion 5. Animal & Veg Oils KSh30.3 billion
Business Insider
08-05-2025
- Business Insider
Crime and child abuse cases in Kenya dropped in a year Kenyans reported less crime
According to a recent survey, Kenyans are reporting less crime to the police, highlighting a significant disconnect between the people and the law. Kenyans reported less crime in 2024 to the police than it did the year before. Kenya experienced a 3.5% drop in reported crimes, reaching 101,200 cases, and a 10.8% decrease in child protection cases. Law enforcement recovered ammunition, seized drugs, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission traced assets worth KSh 16 billion. Kenya had a significant drop in key crime and justice indices in 2024, indicating a year of modest progress in law enforcement, child protection, and the judiciary. According to current data, as seen in the Economic Survey by the country's national bureau of statistics (KNBS), the overall number of offenses recorded by police has reduced by 3.5%, to 101,200. This decrease shows a gradual change toward better public safety and more effective crime prevention measures. Additionally, the Department of Children Services also recorded a remarkable 10.8% decrease in child protection cases, which decreased to 169,300 this year. This decrease, however, is attributable to increased public awareness, community initiatives, and stronger family support networks throughout the country. 'The total number of child protection cases reported to the Department of Children Services declined by 10.8 per cent to 169.3 thousand in 2024,' the report states. 'Police recovered 4,548 rounds of ammunition and seized 26.9 tonnes of dangerous drugs during the review period. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission traced assets worth KSh 16.0 billion, out of which assets worth KSh 2.9 billion were recovered during the review period,' it adds. The report also highlighted the behaviour of the country's prison system, noting that the police apprehended 534 youngsters and 1,069 foreign nationals in the year under review. Meanwhile, the number of offenders receiving probation terms fell by 27.4% to 5,912, indicating that non-custodial punishment is being used less or that criminal trends and case results have shifted. A more detailed look into the survey showed that personnel ratios in the justice system have varied results. The police-to-civilian ratio fell from 1:479 to 1:512, indicating an increased burden for cops. In contrast, the jail officer-to-inmate ratio improved from 1:8 to 1:7, while the probation officer-to-offender ratio increased from 1:12 to 1:10. These changes may help the rehabilitation and management of criminals, particularly those serving non-custodial sentences. Furthermore, in 2024, the State Department for Refugee Services had registered 823.9 thousand refugees and asylum seekers, of whom 50.5% were from Dadaab Camp. As of June 2024, 602.1 thousand PWDs were registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
