KENYA – Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicate that wheat imports from Russia were the fastest growing among Kenya’s top global source markets, recording a 396.56% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.

According to the report, this volume of wheat and other products imported from Russia in the first half of the year was driven by the increasing demand for wheat-based food products.

The value of imports from Russia reached KES 43.30 billion (US$ 290 million), up from KES 8.72 billion (US$ 58.35 million) during the same period last year.

This surge is largely attributed to Kenya’s growing reliance on Russian wheat as local production struggles to meet the country’s increasing consumption needs.

Kenya has long depended on wheat imports to supplement local production, which consistently falls short of domestic demand.

With an annual consumption of over 2.2 million metric tons of wheat and local production providing only about 15% of this demand, the country heavily relies on imports from global suppliers.

Russia has become Kenya’s preferred wheat supplier, accounting for a significant share of the imports, while other countries like France and Argentina also play important roles in supplying wheat to African markets.

The increased demand for wheat-based food products such as bread, pasta, and pastries, particularly in urban areas, has driven up consumption.

Wheat has now overtaken maize in some regions as the most consumed cereal, reflecting shifting dietary preferences in Kenya. A growing population, coupled with the rising middle class, has further accelerated the demand for wheat and wheat-based products, making imports essential to fill the production gap.

Alongside wheat, other imports from Russia included meslin and hard wheat, which together accounted for 84.55% of the total imports during the period, valued at KES 21.66 billion (US$ 145 million).

According to KNBS, the sharp rise in imports from Russia is reflective of broader economic and trade trends that favor Russia as a key supplier of staple commodities to Kenya.

Imports from Ukraine also saw significant growth, with goods valued at KES 7.82 billion (US$ 52 million), up 270% compared to Ksh 2.12 billion (US$ 14 million) the previous year.

The rise in imports from both Russia and Ukraine has contributed to a ballooning import bill, highlighting Kenya’s heavy dependence on foreign wheat to sustain its food supply chain.

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