Kenya’s food import bill hit a record Sh81.6 billion as drought deepened reliance on imported food.
Kenya's food imports jumped 40.9% to Sh81.6bn in Q1 2026, a record, due to drought and domestic crop failures. The import surge reflects structural food insecurity—3.5 million Kenyans need aid—and signals growing dependence on foreign commodities, forcing policy interventions.
By
Constant Munda
Correspondent
Nation Media Group
The value of Kenya’s food and beverage imports hit Sh81.6billion in three months to March 2026, marking a record first quarter expenditure and underscoring renewed concerns over dwindling domestic crop output.
Why Kenya still imports milk, fish and eggs | Daily Nation
Kenya bets Sh598bn on Galana Kulalu revival to end food imports
Climate report shows Kenya’s food security under threat
Subsidised fertiliser drying up as global supply shock hits Kenya's grain belt
Inflation rose by 1 per cent in 2026
Why Kenya is buying more electricity from Ethiopia - African Business
Kenya must export more and better goods
Business activity dips in May amid deepening economic crisis
Public debt stock rises by Sh533bn in three months
