Kenya is facing a looming food crisis as prolonged droughts continue to disrupt agricultural production, widen rice supply gaps, and drive food prices upward across the country.
On Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe warned that the nation is at a critical crossroads, with domestic food output increasingly unable to meet the growing demand for essential staples. He cautioned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if decisive interventions are not implemented.
“Kenya produces less than 20 per cent of the rice it consumes, and the shortfall is projected to exceed 380,000 metric tonnes by early 2026. If we do not act swiftly, more families will face food insecurity,” Kagwe said.
Rice, a key staple food for both urban households and communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), has been particularly affected. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells have sharply reduced yields in major rice-growing areas, while limited access to reliable irrigation has compounded the problem. Some farmers have scaled down production or abandoned rice farming altogether due to rising costs and water shortages.
The growing supply deficit has already begun to impact markets, with retail prices of rice and other staples showing an upward trend. Economists warn that sustained shortages could fuel inflation and worsen the cost-of-living pressures facing many Kenyan households.
CS Kagwe said the government is intensifying efforts to stabilise food supplies through expanded irrigation projects, promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties, and strategic imports to bridge immediate gaps. He also emphasised the need for long-term investments in water management and climate-smart agriculture to strengthen resilience.
As climate variability continues to threaten farming, experts caution that urgent, coordinated action is essential to safeguard Kenya’s food security and protect vulnerable populations.