Kenya Plans Food Imports as Drought Shrinks Harvest Prospects Across Grain Belt

Kenya is preparing to increase food imports after poor rainfall and prolonged drought damaged crops in major grain-producing regions, raising concerns over reduced harvests and national food supplies this year.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said crop failure, particularly in the Rift Valley, is expected to lower agricultural production and create a supply gap that will require imports to stabilize the country’s food market.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of Principal Secretaries at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Koskei said erratic weather and the growing effects of climate change had disrupted the main production season, leaving thousands of hectares of crops damaged before harvest.

“We faced a challenge this year in agriculture due to crop failure caused by drought, which is largely driven by climate change,” Koskei said.

The warning comes after several counties, including Trans Nzoia and other parts of the North Rift, reported widespread maize losses following prolonged dry conditions during critical stages of crop development. Agriculture experts have cautioned that reduced production from Kenya’s grain basket could tighten domestic supplies and place upward pressure on food prices if mitigation measures are not implemented.

Koskei, however, assured Kenyans that the government has activated measures to protect national food security and minimize the impact of the expected production shortfall. He said authorities are working to ensure adequate food supplies through strategic imports while supporting local farmers affected by the adverse weather.

The government is also expected to continue monitoring grain stocks and market conditions to prevent supply disruptions and stabilize prices for consumers.

Climate variability has increasingly become a major challenge for Kenya’s agricultural sector, with farmers experiencing more frequent droughts, delayed rains and unpredictable growing seasons. These conditions have affected yields of staple crops such as maize, which remains the country’s primary food crop and a key source of income for millions of households.

Agricultural experts have emphasized the need for greater investment in climate-smart farming practices, irrigation infrastructure, drought-tolerant crop varieties and improved weather forecasting to strengthen resilience against future climate shocks.

The meeting at KALRO also highlighted the importance of research and innovation in developing technologies that can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions while improving productivity. Officials noted that stronger collaboration between research institutions, government agencies and farmers will be critical in safeguarding Kenya’s food systems.

As the country braces for lower harvests, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring food remains available and affordable while accelerating long-term investments aimed at building a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding the effects of climate change.