Edible oil imports climb to Sh26 billion on global price hikes
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reported that Kenya imported 183,139 tonnes of edible oils during the period, a modest rise from 182,209 tonnes in 2024.
Kenya’s edible oil sector recorded higher import costs in the quarter ending June 2025, with the value of shipments climbing to Sh25.61 billion, an increase of almost Sh1.64 billion compared to the same period last year.
The rise came mainly from higher international prices, even though the total quantity of oil brought into the country showed only a slight increase.
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The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reported that Kenya imported 183,139 tonnes of edible oils during the period, a modest rise from 182,209 tonnes in 2024.
“In the quarter under review, total volumes rose slightly from 182,209 tonnes in 2024 to 183,139 tonnes, while total value grew from Sh 23.97 billion in 2024 to Sh25.61 billion, driven by higher global prices and a shift to refined products,” the agency said.
Palm oil, which remains the most consumed edible oil in Kenya, accounted for the largest share of imports.
Most supplies came from Malaysia and Indonesia, with Cameroon and South Africa also emerging as notable suppliers.
In the period under review, Kenya imported 168,418 tonnes of palm oil, slightly lower than 172,174 tonnes in 2024, but the value increased to Sh23 billion from Sh22.22 billion.
The price hike is linked to poor harvests in Southeast Asia due to La Niña weather effects, rising demand for biofuels, and higher consumption in China and India.
Imports of soya bean oil fell sharply, with volumes dropping 32 per cent to 1,671.02 tonnes and the value falling 67 per cent to Sh252.48 million.
“This was ascribed to an increased local production and substitution by other oils. The main suppliers included the USA, Germany, and Uganda, with new entrants Benin and Togo,” the AFA explained.
Sunflower oil imports more than doubled, with volumes rising from 1,773 tonnes in 2024 to 3,909 tonnes, while value jumped to Sh601.45 million, reflecting strong local demand.
“However, these imports are expected to decline in the coming years due to ongoing government efforts aimed at boosting domestic sunflower seed cultivation and enhancing local edible oil processing capacity,” the agency added.
Other edible oil products also saw growth. Oil cake imports increased from 2,942 tonnes to 3,968 tonnes, with value rising from Sh29.87 million to Sh46.24 million.
Groundnut imports nearly doubled, climbing from 1,212 tonnes to 2,410 tonnes, while their cost surged from Sh245 million to Sh629 million.
These figures underscore how global price fluctuations and domestic production trends continue to influence Kenya’s edible oil market. While higher costs impact consumers, efforts to expand local cultivation and processing are expected to gradually reduce dependency on imported oils in the coming years.
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