Wheat gluten market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat gluten market in Kenya showed consistent growth from 3 583 t in 2018 to 3 790 t in 2021. This expansion was supported by the long-standing Wheat Purchase Scheme, which obligated millers to buy locally grown wheat at set prices and provided reduced import duties to bridge consumption gaps. Quality regulations enforced by the National Cereals and Produce Board and the Agriculture and Food Authority further stabilized production and market access.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2022 when the market volume dropped to 2 934 t and further to 2 710 t in 2023. The Russia-Ukraine war severely disrupted global wheat supply chains, limiting Kenya's access to key imports, while severe drought reduced domestic wheat cultivation. In response, the government imposed import bans to protect local farmers, but coupled with rising inflation and price disputes between farmers and millers, these measures contributed to a continued market contraction.

To mitigate shortages, Kenya diversified import sources, notably increasing purchases from Russia, and promoted technological adoption to boost yields. However, ongoing climate variability and market volatility led some farmers to shift away from wheat, sustaining pressure on gluten production.

Production wheat gluten in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya ranked 20th globally in wheat gluten production.

Top producers of wheat gluten, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat gluten, 2017-2020

Kenya's wheat gluten production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 770 tons of wheat gluten, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Exports wheat gluten from Kenya

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 15 kg, then peaked in 2018, creating a 23-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Kenya's cross-border shipments of wheat gluten totaled 265 kg, representing a dramatic increase of 1 666.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 95.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Uganda was the dominant destination for Kenya's wheat gluten exports, consistently accounting for 91.2% of total shipments.

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, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.0 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2018, showing a 162-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya exported 2.3 thousand US dollars worth of wheat gluten, reflecting a steep increase of 11 512.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 99.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda clearly dominated as the main buyer of Kenyan wheat gluten, accounting for 98.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wheat gluten to Kenya

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 2 232 kg, after peaking in 2019 at 60 904 kg, representing a 27-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya's wheat gluten imports registered a sharp decline of 96.3% year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when imports grew by 181.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (28.5% of imports by volume), South Africa (26.2%), and Iran (19.3%) led Kenya's wheat gluten import structure, together representing 74.1% 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, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values reached their lowest point in 2020 at approximately 6.2 thousand US dollars, after peaking in 2019 at 115.1 thousand US dollars, showing an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya's wheat gluten imports showed an intense fall of 94.6% year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when imports grew by 193.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (27.9% of imports by value), Iran (23.3%), and South Africa (15.7%) led Kenya's wheat gluten import structure in value terms, together accounting for 66.9% 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