The Manufacture and Importation of Pesticides, Other Agrochemical Products and Seeds in Kenya 2022

Introduction

The Kenya pesticides and other agrochemicals industry is dominated by imports of international brands. There is a growing local biopesticide industry but it is relatively small. The certified seed industry is led by state-owned enterprises. The growth of the industry depends on the growth of agriculture. Agriculture is the country’s biggest sectoral contributor to GDP and provides livelihoods for three-quarters of the population, but most are subsistence farmers, meaning there is only a small market of intensive, commercial farmers available to suppliers. Certified seed suppliers are thought to only supply 22% of farmers in Kenya, with the rest trading unimproved seed informally. The pandemic, desert locust infestation and rapidly rising fertiliser prices put pressure on the market. Despite these pressures, the agrochemicals and seed industries are experiencing growth and attracting investment through Kenya’s important role as a regional hub. The strong growth of the horticultural industry has caused more demand for insecticides and fungicides.

Opportunities

Global and domestic shifts towards biopesticides as a sustainable, safe and environmentally-friendly pest control solution.

Government prioritises support to the agricultural sector that can stimulate demand for agricultural inputs. Kenya experiences high economic growth rates.

Outlook

The outlook is affected by a recovery in the agricultural economy.

The pandemic, desert locust infestation and war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains, raised prices and weakened the ability of small farmers to enter commercial farming and become customers of agrochemical and seed companies. The highly indebted Kenyan government has little ability to support farmers and stimulate demand for agricultural inputs. The government’s review of registered pesticides to possibly ban hazardous active ingredients is a concern. Economic and agricultural growth remains high, and Kenya is an important exporter of a number of agricultural commodities. The recent rapid growth in horticultural production for exports is contributing towards a positive outlook.

Report Coverage

This report on the manufacture and importation of pesticides, other agrochemicals and seeds in Kenya provides comprehensive information on the importation, blending processing and manufacturing of these products and the state of agriculture on which they depend.

There is information on the state and size of the sector, trade, rates of use, key issues, notable local and international players, corporate actions, regulations and other developments. There are profiles of 23 seed pesticide and agrochemical companies including state-owned Kenya Seed Company and the Agricultural Development Corporation, international players such as Bayer, Syngenta East Africa and BASF East Africa, and private companies including Kenya Highland Seed and Fertiplant East Africa.

Strengths

A developing biopesticides production industry which is attracting international investment and building export markets.

An established agrochemicals import industry with local reformulating, blending and distribution capacities. Domestic seed breeding, production and processing capabilities. Kenya’s position as a regional production and administration hub from which to access East African markets. The presence of global companies with R&D capacity.

Threats

European Union trade restrictions on Kenyan exports containing pesticide residues.

Reducing small farmer buying power after three years of economic shocks from the, the desert locust infestation and the Russia-Ukraine war. The review of registered synthetic pesticide products by the Kenyan government that may lead to the banning of pesticides that are important sellers for local agrochemical companies.

Weaknesses

A low percentage of farmers in Kenya are able to afford agricultural inputs causing the market for agrochemicals and certified seeds to be small. Concentration of market share in major certified seeds markets limits opportunities. Lack of capacity in regulatory authorities to enforce regulations, maintain standards and ensure safe practice. Many pesticides in use present health and environmental risks.