Kenya’s agricultural industry is the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for over 30% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture is the primary source of income for most Kenyans, providing employment and livelihoods for millions of people. Kenya’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an excellent location for cultivating a wide range of crops, both for local consumption and for export. In this article, we will explore the 20 most profitable crops to grow in Kenya and how much income you can generate on an acre of land.

1. Maize Farming

Maize is one of the most popular crops in Kenya, with an average yield of 40-50 bags per acre. One bag of maize weighs 90kg, and it can be sold at KES 4,500 – 5,600 per bag, translating to a potential income of KES 180,000 to KES 280,000 per acre.

2. Beans Farming

Beans are a staple food in Kenya, with an average yield of 8-10 bags per acre. One bag of beans weighs 90kg, and it can be sold at KES 10,000 – 15,000 per bag, translating to a potential income of KES 80,000 to KES 150,000 per acre.

3. Wheat Farming

Wheat is another popular crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 20-25 bags per acre. One bag of wheat weighs 90kg, and it can be sold at KES 3,400 – 4,500 per bag, translating to a potential income of KES 68,000 to KES 112,500 per acre.

4. Irish Potato Farming

Irish potatoes are widely grown in Kenya, with an average yield of 80-100 bags per acre. One bag of Irish potatoes weighs 110kg, and it can be sold at KES 4,500 per bag, translating to a potential income of KES 360,000 to KES 450,000 per acre.

5. Sweet Potato Farming

Sweet potatoes are another profitable crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 30-40 bags per acre. One bag of sweet potatoes weighs 110kg, and it can be sold at KES 4,500 per bag, translating to a potential income of KES 135,000 to KES 180,000 per acre.

6. Tomato Farming

Tomatoes are a high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 15-20 tons per acre. One ton of tomatoes can be sold at KES 70,000, translating to a potential income of KES 1,050,000 to KES 1,400,000 per acre.

7. Cabbage Farming

Cabbage is another high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 25-30 tons per acre. One ton of cabbage can be sold at KES 25,000, translating to a potential income of KES 625,000 to KES 750,000 per acre.

8. Kales Farming

Kale is a popular crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 20-25 tons per acre. One ton of kale can be sold at KES 40,000, translating to a potential income of KES 800,000 to KES 1,000,000 per acre.

9. Carrots Farming

Carrots are a high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 25-30 tons per acre. One ton of carrots can be sold at KES 60,000, translating to a potential income of KES 1,500,000 to KES 1,800,000 per acre.

10. Onions Farming

Onions are another high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 15-20 tons per acre. One ton of onions can be sold at KES 60,000, translating to a potential income of KES 900,000 to KES 1,200,000 per acre.

11. Garlic Farming

Garlic is a high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 6-8 tons per acre. One ton of garlic can be sold at KES 150,000, translating to a potential income of KES 900,000 to KES 1,200,000 per acre.

12. Capsicum Farming

Capsicums are a high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 10-12 tons per acre. One ton of capsicums can be sold at KES 150,000, translating to a potential income of KES 1,500,000 to KES 1,800,000 per acre.

13. Pumpkin Farming

Pumpkins are another profitable crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 20-25 tons per acre. One ton of pumpkins can be sold at KES 20,000, translating to a potential income of KES 400,000 to KES 500,000 per acre.

14. Butternut Squash Farming

Butternut squash is a high-value crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 20-25 tons per acre. One ton of butternut squash can be sold at KES 30,000, translating to a potential income of KES 600,000 to KES 750,000 per acre.

15. French Beans Farming

French beans are a popular export crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 1.5-2 tons per acre. One ton of French beans can be sold at KES 200,000, translating to a potential income of KES 300,000 to KES 400,000 per acre.

16. Snow Peas Farming

Snow peas are another popular export crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 1.5-2 tons per acre. One ton of snow peas can be sold at KES 250,000, translating to a potential income of KES 375,000 to KES 500,000 per acre.

17. Sugar Cane Farming

Sugar cane is a widely grown crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 100-120 tons per acre. One ton of sugar cane can be sold at KES 4,000, translating to a potential income of KES 400,000 to KES 480,000 per acre.

18. Tea Farming

Tea is another widely grown crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 2-2.5 tons per acre. One ton of tea can be sold at KES 300,000, translating to a potential income of KES 600,000 to KES 750,000 per acre.

19. Coffee Farming

Coffee is a valuable crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 1-1.5 tons per acre. One ton of coffee can be sold at KES 350,000, translating to a potential income of KES 350,000 to KES 525,000 per acre.

20. Macadamia Farming

Macadamia nuts are a profitable crop in Kenya, with an average yield of 2-3 tons per acre. One ton of macadamia nuts can be sold at KES 200,000, translating to a potential income of KES 400,000 to KES 600,000 per acre.

In conclusion, there are many profitable crops that can be grown in Kenya, depending on the local climate, soil conditions, and market demand. The 20 crops listed above are some of the most lucrative and popular crops grown in Kenya. While the potential income from these crops can vary depending on many factors, such as market prices and production costs, farmers who invest in these crops and manage them well can earn a significant income.

Things To Note To Attain This Profits

If you are interested in growing profitable crops in Kenya, there are several things that you should note to increase your chances of success. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Start Small: It’s important to start small when venturing into crop farming. This allows you to learn the basics of crop production, experiment with different crops, and minimize your risk of losses.
2. Choose the Right Crop: Choosing the right crop is critical to your success. Consider the local market demand, soil conditions, and climate to identify the crops that are most likely to thrive in your area.
3. Invest in Quality Inputs: Investing in quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs can help you to achieve higher yields and better quality crops. While these inputs may be more expensive, they are often worth the investment in the long run.
4. Implement Good Agricultural Practices: Good agricultural practices, such as proper crop rotation, soil conservation, pest management, and irrigation, are critical to your success. Be sure to research and implement these practices in your crop production.
5. Seek Out Support: Don’t be afraid to seek out support from experts, such as agronomists, extension officers, and other farmers. These individuals can provide you with valuable advice, training, and support to help you optimize your crop production.
6. Develop Reliable Markets: Developing reliable markets for your crops is critical to your success. This may involve working with local traders, cooperatives, or other organizations to help you sell your crops at a fair price.
7. Keep Detailed Records: Keeping detailed records of your crop production, costs, and income can help you to make informed decisions about your farm and identify areas where you can improve.

By keeping these points in mind, you can increase your chances of success in growing profitable crops in Kenya. While there may be challenges along the way, with hard work, determination, and the right approach, you can achieve a successful crop farming business.

What to do to succeed and achieve this profits

To achieve success in growing these profitable crops in Kenya, farmers should consider several factors. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Conduct Market Research: Farmers should conduct market research to determine which crops are in high demand in their local market or target market. This will help them to make informed decisions about what crops to grow.
2. Choose Suitable Land: Farmers should choose land that is suitable for the crop they want to grow. Factors to consider include soil type, water availability, and climate conditions.
3. Use Quality Seeds: Farmers should use quality seeds from reputable suppliers. This will ensure that the crop will grow well and produce a good yield.
4. Implement Good Agricultural Practices: Farmers should implement good agricultural practices, such as proper crop rotation, weed and pest management, and irrigation practices, to ensure that the crop grows well and is of high quality.
5. Monitor Crop Progress: Farmers should monitor the progress of their crop regularly to identify any potential problems or opportunities to improve yield and quality.
6. Harvest and Market the Crop: Farmers should harvest the crop at the right time and store it properly to ensure that it is of high quality. They should also market the crop effectively to reach potential buyers and get the best price.
7. Seek Professional Help: Farmers should seek professional help when necessary, such as from agronomists, extension officers, or other experts, to help them optimize their crop production.

By following these steps, farmers can increase their chances of growing these profitable crops successfully and earning a good income.

Challenges

While growing profitable crops in Kenya can be rewarding, there are also several challenges that farmers may face. Here are some of the challenges that farmers should be aware of:

1. Climate Change: Climate change can lead to unpredictable weather patterns, which can impact crop production and yield. Drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures can all affect crop growth and reduce yields.
2. Soil Degradation: Soil degradation is a major problem in Kenya, with many areas experiencing soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and other forms of soil degradation. This can reduce crop yield and quality.
3. Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases can affect crop growth and reduce yields. Farmers need to be vigilant in managing pests and diseases through proper crop management practices and the use of pesticides when necessary.
4. Lack of Access to Capital: Many small-scale farmers in Kenya lack access to capital to invest in their farms. This can limit their ability to purchase quality seeds, fertilizer, and other inputs needed to grow profitable crops.
5. Limited Access to Markets: Limited access to markets can be a challenge for many farmers, particularly small-scale farmers. Farmers need access to reliable markets to sell their crops at a fair price.
6. Lack of Information: Many farmers in Kenya lack access to information about the latest crop production technologies and techniques. This can limit their ability to optimize their crop production and achieve higher yields.
7. Inadequate Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and limited access to electricity and water, can limit farmers’ ability to produce and transport their crops to markets.

By being aware of these challenges, farmers can take steps to mitigate their impact and increase their chances of success in growing profitable crops in Kenya. This may include investing in soil conservation measures, seeking out training and information on crop production, and working to develop reliable markets for their crops.