Kenya: Cow Peas Market 2025

Cow Peas Market Size in Kenya

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the Kenyan cow peas market, when its value decreased by -18.3% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, posted a resilient increase. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then contracted rapidly in the following year.

Cow Peas Production in Kenya

In value terms, cow peas production shrank notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, posted a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 110%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

In 2021, the average cow peas yield in Kenya reduced to X tons per ha, which is down by -8.5% compared with the previous year. Overall, the yield, however, enjoyed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 47% against the previous year. The cow peas yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020, and then reduced in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the cow peas harvested area in Kenya totaled X ha, approximately equating the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. The cow peas harvested area peaked at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Cow Peas Exports

Exports from Kenya

In 2021, cow peas exports from Kenya reduced dramatically to X tons, falling by -59.7% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports, however, showed a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 1,375% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then shrank rapidly in the following year.

In value terms, cow peas exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 1,094% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for cow peas exports from Kenya, accounting for a 57% share of total exports. Moreover, cow peas exports to India exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), fourfold. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to India totaled +4.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.0% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (0.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for cow peas exports from Kenya, comprising 56% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to India totaled +7.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.0% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (0.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cow peas export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 205% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate measured growth. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Uganda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Singapore (+6.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cow Peas Imports

Imports into Kenya

In 2021, overseas purchases of cow peas (dry) decreased by -18.2% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after five years of growth. In general, imports, however, enjoyed a measured expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 121%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cow peas imports reduced slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, posted a slight expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 162% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Uganda (X tons) was the main supplier of cow peas to Kenya, with a 97% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK (X kg), with a 2.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Uganda stood at +12.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the UK (-20.4% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (-35.1% per year).

In value terms, Uganda ($X) constituted the largest supplier of cow peas to Kenya, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Uganda stood at +20.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the UK (-16.5% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (-35.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average cow peas import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a noticeable decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 50% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for Uganda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uganda (+7.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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