Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for flour and powder from sago, roots, or tubers in Kenya was shaped by the aftermath of a maize shortage and a 23.1% drop in wheat production the previous year, which affected flour availability. The market volume expanded to 255 thousand t in 2019, supported by high per capita consumption of maize flour for the staple ugali and a national food fortification program that mandated adding micronutrients to flour. However, volume contracted to 217 thousand t in 2020, a decline that occurred despite government subsidies for fertilizers and grain purchases aimed at stabilizing agricultural input costs and production.

Market volume began to recover from 2021 onward, reaching 221 thousand t that year as improved availability of processing machinery for cassava facilitated higher-quality cassava flour production. Growth continued in 2022, with volume rising to 228 thousand t, aided by an increase in imports amid challenges in local raw material supply due to climatic factors and price volatility. The most significant expansion came in 2023, when market volume jumped to 254 thousand t. This surge was driven by a parliamentary proposal to cut VAT by 16% on cassava, maize, and wheat flour to lower consumer prices and stimulate local milling, coupled with rising consumer preference for gluten-free foods, which boosted demand for cassava flour as an alternative.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

In 2020, Kenya produced 226.9 tonnes of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, maintaining the same level as in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 225.2 tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline of 8.3%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from Kenya

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 6 kg, then surged to a peak of 18 057 kg in 2020, representing a dramatic increase of 300 850.0% compared to the previous year. The amplitude between these years was 3 010 times. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 99.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant destination for Kenya's exports in kind, accounting for 71.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports hit a low of 173 US dollars in 2019, then rose sharply to 26 484 US dollars in 2020, marking an increase of 15 241.5% compared to the previous year. The variation between these years was 153 times, with the largest decline recorded in 2019 at 81.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Somalia were the leading destinations for Kenya's exports in value terms, together capturing 92.3% of total flows. The remainder was shared among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to Kenya

Imports in kind, kg

The market experienced notable volatility over these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 7 316 kg, then peaked in 2019 at 27 639 kg, showing a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya imported 8 314 kg of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, which was a sharp decrease of 69.9% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 277.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, India dominated Kenya's imports in kind, holding a 99.3% share of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 with 5 541 US dollars, while the highest value was recorded in 2017, resulting in a 3.4-fold peak-to-trough ratio. In 2020, Kenya imported 6 545 US dollars of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, representing a dramatic decline of 60.4% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 70.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 198.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, India effectively concentrated Kenya's imports in value terms for flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, accounting for 98.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020