NAIROBI, Kenya – In an effort to significantly reduce its dependence on imported edible oils, the Kenyan government has initiated a comprehensive plan to boost sunflower production across the nation. This initiative is projected to cut the country’s import bill for edible oils by half in the forthcoming year.
According to Kenya News Agency, a Food Security Advisor in the Office of the President, the government is collaborating with 34 counties to advance the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project (EOCPP), aiming to foster domestic production of edible oil crops. This initiative emerges in response to the substantial outflow of funds—approximately Sh160 billion annually—for importing edible oils, predominantly from Southeast Asian nations.
The endeavor began last year with the distribution of 70 tonnes of sunflower seeds, sufficient for 25,000 acres, under the auspices of the Kenya Seed Company. To meet the national demand, calculated based on the requirement to substitute 1 million metric tons of imported oil, additional seed procurements were made, including 500 tonnes from Zambia.
Dr. Menjo detailed the strategy for expanding sunflower cultivation to cover an anticipated 2 million acres by the onset of short rains this October. This expansion is expected to generate substantial local edible oil production, enabling Kenya to reduce its import volume by 50% next year, with aspirations to become a net exporter by 2027.
The program’s focus extends beyond achieving self-sufficiency; it aims to empower farmers to produce and press their own oil, paralleling the cultivation and utilization patterns observed with maize. Such localization of oil production is intended to not only secure domestic supply but also stimulate economic savings and growth.
Mithika Linturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, emphasized the economic and strategic importance of this initiative, noting the significant portion of household income currently spent on edible oils. He outlined the EOCPP’s five-year timeline, stressing the collaborative nature of the project involving various government departments and county administrations, with a total investment of Sh981 million.
The push for increased sunflower production is part of a broader strategy to address the notable gap between Kenya’s annual edible oil consumption and production. By fostering a robust domestic oil crop sector, the government seeks to alleviate the financial burden of imports, enhance food security, and establish a sustainable agricultural model that can be replicated in other regions and sectors.
