Agriculture is an important economic activity in Kenya, employing three quarters of the population and contributing 30% to the country's GDP in 1997.
Kenya is one of the largest exporters of tea in the world which, combined with coffee and horticultural products makes up half of the country's exports. Cotton, sugar, pineapples and sisal are also exported.
Other agricultural products include: corn, wheat, sugar cane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry and eggs.
Recently there has been a decline in the production of tea in Kenya as a result of bad weather. This is in contrast with an all time production high in 1998.
Thika Coffee Mills, Kenya Plants' Co-operative Union and Socfinaf Limited have been licensed as marketing agents. Thus the monopoly of the Coffee Board of Kenya has ended in an attempt by the government to increase output and streamline the sector.
The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has set aside Sh2 billion to purchase cereals and other crops for commercial purposes in 1999. The board intends to purchase surplus stocks in order to boost commercial stocks. However, maize producers have reported an expected reduction in produce due to bad weather and destruction by army - worms. Import duties, which amount to 32% will need to fall in order to cover the shortfall.
Illegal imports and circumvention of Comesa trade agreements has led to a sugar glut in Kenya. Government ownership and mismanagement in previous years has resulted in a decline in the sugar industry factories.
Privatisation has been a slow process in the industry due to political snags. Various sugar factories are to be reformed and sold.
Kenya is one of the world's largest suppliers of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide.
The livestock industry is large and of economic significance, exporting large amounts of hides and skins.
