Kenya: Potato Market 2024

Potato Market Size in Kenya

In 2021, the Kenyan potato market increased by 9.9% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, saw a noticeable contraction. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Potato Production in Kenya

In value terms, potato production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 73% against the previous year. Potato production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of potatoes in Kenya contracted to X tons per ha in 2021, shrinking by -6.5% against the previous year. Overall, the yield continues to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the yield increased by 14%. The potato yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the total area harvested in terms of potatoes production in Kenya rose notably to X ha, increasing by 10% against the year before. Overall, the total harvested area indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, potato harvested area decreased by -10.4% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 31%. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the potato harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports from Kenya

In 2021, exports of potatoes from Kenya skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 150% compared with 2020 figures. In general, exports saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 1,245% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, potato exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 819% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Uganda (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Kenya, accounting for a 98% share of total exports. It was followed by Somalia (X tons), with a 0.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Uganda stood at +84.3%.

In value terms, Uganda ($X) remains the key foreign market for potato exports from Kenya, comprising 91% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Somalia ($X), with a 1.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Uganda stood at +95.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato export price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -24.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 104% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Somalia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Uganda totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Somalia (+15.7%).

Potato Imports

Imports into Kenya

In 2021, supplies from abroad of potatoes increased by 11% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports posted a notable expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 1,449% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports posted mild growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 971% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of potato to Kenya, with a 58% share of total imports. Moreover, potato imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Tanzania (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Uganda (X tons), with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the Netherlands amounted to +52.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Tanzania (-11.2% per year) and Uganda (+83.2% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of potato to Kenya, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Uganda ($X), with an 8.8% share of total imports. It was followed by Tanzania, with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands totaled +49.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Uganda (+88.9% per year) and Tanzania (-23.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 6.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 59% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for South Africa ($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 (+3.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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