CS Kagwe launches oil-crop production initiative to minimize edible oil imports

Speaking during the opening of the Kilimo Biashara Expo 2026 in Thika, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told farmers, researchers and business partners that scaling up production of these crops can cut imports, build local agro‑processing, and raise pay for farmers.

The government is partnering with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and other stakeholders to develop and distribute high‑yielding seed varieties, strengthen seed multiplication and dissemination systems and support farmer groups and cooperatives.

It is also set to encourage private investment in processing and value addition and strengthen market links between farmers and processors.

Leveraging technology, training and market connections, the initiative is positioned as a significant step toward lowering the edible‑oil import bill and expanding opportunities for farmers, youth, women, and agribusiness entrepreneurs across Kenya.

According to the Ministry, there is need to showcase industrial crops like sunflower and soybean as part of efforts to lessen the country’s heavy reliance on imported edible oils.

Data cited by KALRO highlights that over 90 percent of edible oil is imported, stressing the urgency of promoting domestic production.

Kenya currently consumes roughly 600,000 metric tonnes of edible oils each year, yet more than 90–95 percent of that demand comes from imports, a costly reliance that the government says must change.

In 2022 alone, the country spent over Ksh.145 billion on imported edible oils, underlining the opportunity for local farmers and agribusiness investors.