Despite the importance of agriculture to the Kenyan economy, it has not been performing to its potential. There is limited diversification away from staple crops, such as maize, and average yields remaining below those of comparable countries. Kenyan farmers use relatively low levels of inputs. This lowers productivity and therefore farmers’ returns and their ability to reinvest in their crops.
Our Focus on Agri-inputs
Why We Focus On Agri-inputs
Sector At A Glance
The Sector
Key agricultural inputs categories are fertilizers, seeds, farm equipment and agrochemicals
- Kg's/H
Fertiliser Usage Per Hectare in 2012.
Kenya’s input use is low
With an average use of 44kg of fertiliser per hectare in 2012. In contrast, South Africa was at 62kg, India 164kg & Brazil at 182kg.
The Market
All agricultural inputs are distributed through a system of importers, wholesalers and retailers
75 Agrochemical Manufacturers
Over 7000 Agrovet Dealers
- Imported
- Local
90% Of Fertilizer Is Imported
11 major fertilizer imports account for 95% of 500,000T imports. 90% of fertilizer is imported with 10% being blended locally.
The Farmer
Key agricultural inputs categories are fertilizers, seeds, farm equipment and agrochemicals

The World Bank estimates that women make up 70% of Kenya’s farmers.
(Source: Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook, World Bank, page 16, Figure 1.4)
- Commercial
- Non Commercial
Only 50% of smallholder farmers participate in commercial farming.
70% use fertilizer and 30% use certified seeds.

3.5 million Smallholder Farmers
Kenya’s agriculture is predominantly smallholder farmers accounting to 3.5 million.
Farm productivity per Ha in Kenya is lower than the global average
Maize Production: Kenya Vs. Global Average

Maize production in Kenya is 1.6MT/Ha.

The global average is 6MT/ha.
Dynamics Of The Sector
General Supply Trends
Inputs Supply By Private Sector
Agricultural inputs supply is mostly driven by private sector, though in fertilizer, Government imports and distributes at subsidized prices.
Agricultural Inputs Availability
Agricultural inputs are only available in high agricultural potential areas and to large scale commercial farmers.
Information On Products
Inadequate flow of information on products’ use and benefits through the trade chain.
Quality Standards
Weak enforcement of inputs quality standards has led to proliferation of substandard products and counterfeits.
Financial Capacity
Lack of adequate financial capacity of traders to sufficiently stock for the peak periods.
General Demand Trends
Farmer Education
Increasing farmer education and discernment leading to demand for quality inputs.
Climate Change
Climate change impact and land fragmentation is driving the need for more effective agricultural inputs
Farm Productivity
Low farm productivity is calling for adoption of new technologies and innovations.
Growing Population
Growing urban population is increasing the demand for agricultural produce
Key Sector Challenges

Inputs Access & Use
- Farmers lack information about right type of farm inputs, right application and right time of use.
- Poor rural roads and other key physical infrastructure have led to high transportation costs for agricultural inputs and services.
- Low agro-dealer investment in the rural areas.

Soil Degradation
- Insufficient information on soil preservation practices causing land overuse and soil degradation.
- Insufficient access to soil testing services to determine the soil nutrition, pests and diseases.

Extension Services & Technology
- Limited access to extension services hindering faster adaptation of new farm practices.
- Inadequate research and farmer linkages reducing access to new farming technologies.

Climate Change
- Changing and unpredictable weather patterns greatly affecting rain-fed agriculture.
- Varying climatic conditions causing an increase in pests and diseases.
- Lack of information on farm-level technologies to address climate change challenges.
What Are Our Interventions?
Improve access and demand of quality agricultural inputs
Adoption of innovative trade inventory management systems
Enable commercialization of climate smart products and climate resilient agricultural inputs
Promote availability of affordable financial products for smallholder farmers and rural agro-dealers
Improve agricultural inputs market information
Adoption of innovative ways to pass on appropriate information across the supply chain
Adoption of ICT, improved marketing and customer service practices across agricultural inputs’ trade
Enhance application of quality standards
Advocate change of agricultural inputs packaging material taxation legislation to lower inputs prices
Promote enforcement of agricultural inputs quality control to reduce substandard products and counterfeits
Systemic Change Indicators

Agro-dealers
30% of trained agro dealers adopt improved business & customer management practices. Impact over 2,000 agro dealers in the next 5 years.

Large Companies & Service Providers
Large companies investing in improved distribution and farmer support. Service Providers make own investments to commercialize their services.

Maize Yields
Over 2 million farmers increase their maize yields from 1.6mt/ha to 3mt/ha.

Quality Inputs
Over 2.45 million farmers will be using quality inputs in 10 years. Over 3 million farmers will have improved access to inputs, usage & performance.

Innovations
35 large scale market actors adapt new ways of training and dissemination of information across the supply chain.
Learn About Our Work in the Agri-inputs Sector

KMT Case Study
Transforming Kenya's Agricultural Inputs Sector
Why it matters, what’s been achieved and where next.
Format: PDF
Size: 2.64 MB
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