When they say, "The next billionaires will be farmers," we know how true that is because we have seen numerous self-made, millionaires coming up from Kenya's agribusiness sector. This year, things can only get better in this sector as many countries in the world are opening their doors for Kenyan-grown food. Have you seen even the "big boys" investing in farming? They know what an opportunity there is in this sector.
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| 10 Most profitable crops in Kenya |
But what are the crops that are most profitable in Kenya? That is an important question you should ask before investing in agribusiness. Let me give you a list of the 10 most profitable crops to consider for 2025 in Kenya.
1. Hass Avocados
Hass avocados have risen to become a major export crop in Kenya. An acre can hold about 150 trees, with each tree producing an average of 1,000 fruits annually. With export prices ranging from Ksh10 to Ksh30 per fruit, farmers can earn upwards of Ksh1 million per year from a single acre, even considering all the fruits that might not qualify for the export market.
Hass
avocado grows best in the cool and wet highlands but ambitious agripreneurs
have established very successful avocado farms in hot and dry areas using
irrigation.
For more details about investing in this crop, read the detailed guide on "How to Establish a Commercial Hass Avocado Farm in Kenya"
2.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are used every day in every house and every restaurant in Kenya. This is the reason why they are one of the crops with the highest demand. Today, there are new tomato varieties, irrigation technologies, and crop protection methods that help farmers to harvest up to 30 tons per acre. The market prices
average at Ksh50 per kg. That means you can make up to Ksh1.5 million per acre, in just 4 months.
Tomato farming in Kenya is practiced everywhere, but the farmers in hot and dry areas with access to irrigation water are the most advantaged ones.
Please read more on How to Establish a Profitable Tomato Farm in Kenya
3. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia farming in Kenya has grown in popularity due to the high demand for nuts in international markets. Regulations protecting the farmers against exploitation by macadamia processors have also been introduced. A well-maintained macadamia tree can yield up to 50 kg of nuts annually. A kilogram of macadamia nuts fetches between Ksh100 and Ksh200, a farmer can earn substantial income from a single acre planted with about 70 trees.
Just like the Hass avocado, Macadamia farming is best done in the cool and wet highlands but thrives also in hot and dry lowlands as long as the farmer has sufficient water for irrigation.
4.
Capsicum (Pilipili Hoho)
Capsicum is another high-value crop, particularly in urban markets. Grown in greenhouses or open fields, an acre can produce up to 20 tons in a year. The prices range between Ksh80 and Ksh150 per kg. The biggest catch with this crop is that it is very resilient, growing in almost any kind of climate and soil. It takes just about 3 months to get into commercial production hence giving a quick return on investment.
5.
Strawberries
Strawberries are becoming increasingly
popular among Kenyan consumers, thereby creating a high-profit investment opportunity for the farmers. An acre of strawberries holds about 32,000 plants, each giving at least 1kg of fruits per year. The market prices range between Ksh100 and Ksh200 per kg.
Strawberries are best grown under net-houses or greenhouses in cool places.
6.
Passion Fruits
Purple passion fruits are highly sought after by exporters and juice makers. This crop thrives in most
Kenyan climates. With proper
care, an acre can yield up to 15 tons annually. Prices can go as high as Ksh300 per kg during the low season. When production increases, the price per kilo averages at Ksh100.
The market for passion fruit is assured but the initial farm setup cost has been the greatest hindrance for many potential investors.
7.
Kales (Sukuma Wiki)
Are you surprised to find this crop in this list? Remember, Sukuma wiki is a staple vegetable, consumed in almost every homestead, especially in rural and urban middle-class populations. As such, sukuma wiki has always been in demand and its farming provides a sure way of making money within 3 months.
Sukuma wiki grows basically anywhere in Kenya and an acre can yield up to 20 tons annually. The average market price is Ksh20–50 per kg. That does not seem to be a high profit but remember that Kale farming requires very low capital hence the return on investment is quite high.
8.
Onions
Onions should have actually come 3rd, after tomatoes. Just like tomatoes, onions are used in pretty much every meal that any Kenyan cook prepares. They are therefore a high-demand crop, with a relatively long shelf life - the perfect description of a cash cow in the form of a crop.
Onions also grow best in dry areas with irrigation. However, some varieties thrive in cool and wet regions. An acre can produce up to 20 tons and the market price is Ksh30–150 per kg - a huge fluctuation that calls for careful planning to avoid harvesting when there is a glut in the market.
9.
Potatoes
Think about all the chips eaten in Nairobi, all the Mukimo, roast and sauteed potatoes! Irish potatoes are the epitome of dietary staples. Potatoes in Kenya are mostly cultivated in the cold highlands but can also grow in warmer areas, albeit with lower yields. Farmers can harvest up to 20 tons per
acre, with market prices averaging Ksh30–60 per kg.
Potatoes mature in just 3 months meaning a farmer can have 3 farming cycles every year.
10.
Watermelon
Watermelon is the fruit you are sure to find on every breakfast table in Kenya, every meal at a wedding or funeral, and in every fruit vendor's shop. The demand sours even higher during the hot season; that is when you will see girls with buckets hawking watermelon everywhere in town.
Watermelon farming thrives in hot areas where an acre can produce up to 30 tons in a season. The market prices range between Ksh30 and Ksh50 per kg. The initial capital for watermelon farming is not as high as in tomato farming hence becoming the most attractive option for beginners in farming for business.
Final advice to potential investors
Farming in Kenya offers immense opportunities for making money. However, you should never think of it as a way of making quick riches. It will call for your careful planning, dedication and most importantly, patience.
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