Kenya’s agriculture sector is one of the most promising investment opportunities, offering both small and large-scale farmers substantial profits. However, not all crops yield the same returns. The key to maximizing profits lies in selecting high-demand, high-yield crops that are well-suited to the country’s climate and soil conditions.
At Fincare Investments, we guide farmers and agribusiness investors on the most profitable crops to grow in Kenya. Here’s our updated list for 2024 to help you make informed decisions.
1. Onions—High Demand & Fast Returns
Onions are among the most profitable crops in Kenya, with demand outstripping supply during certain seasons. Kenya imports onions from Tanzania, creating a huge opportunity for local farmers.
Why Onions Are Profitable
✔ Yield: 15–25 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 80–200 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 600,000–1,200,000.
✔ Best Locations: Karatina, Nyeri, Narok, Nakuru, Isinya, Meru.
💡 Pro Tip: Grow Red Creole, Bombay Red, or Red Pinoy onions for higher yields and disease resistance.
2. Garlic—High Market Price & Low Competition
Garlic is a high-value crop that requires low input costs yet fetches premium prices in the market. Unlike onions, fewer farmers grow garlic, creating less competition and higher profit margins.
Why Garlic Is Profitable
✔ Yield: 5–8 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 250–500 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 1,000,000–2,000,000.
✔ Best Locations: Meru, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Kajiado, Kiambu.
💡 Pro Tip: Plant soft-neck garlic varieties for higher yields and faster maturity.
3. Strawberries—high-value crop for local and export markets
Strawberry farming is one of Kenya’s most lucrative agribusinesses, thanks to high demand in both local and export markets. With proper care, strawberry plants yield fruit all year round.
Why Strawberries Are Profitable
✔ Yield: 30–50 kg per plant annually.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 200–500 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 1,500,000–3,000,000 annually.
✔ Best Locations: Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Nyeri.
💡 Pro Tip: The Chandler variety is best for high yields and export quality.
4. Tomatoes—High Returns & Year-Round Demand
Tomatoes are one of the most consumed vegetables in Kenya, making them a highly profitable crop. With greenhouse farming, yields can increase significantly while reducing risks from pests and diseases.
Why Tomatoes Are Profitable
✔ Yield: 15–30 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 50–150 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 500,000–1,500,000.
✔ Best Locations: Kirinyaga, Meru, Nakuru, Isinya, Narok.
💡 Pro Tip: Use greenhouse farming to increase yields and reduce pest damage.
5. Watermelon—Fast-Growing with High Profits
Watermelon farming is one of the fastest-growing agribusinesses in Kenya, with a full harvest cycle taking just 3 months.
Why Watermelon Is Profitable
✔ Yield: 20–30 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 25–50 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 600,000–1,200,000.
✔ Best Locations: Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Kajiado, Garissa.
💡 Pro Tip: Grow Sukari F1 hybrid watermelons for sweeter fruits and higher yields.
6. Hass Avocados—Kenya’s Leading Export Crop
Hass avocados are one of the most profitable export crops in Kenya. With Europe, the Middle East, and China as top buyers, demand is rising.
Why Hass avocados are profitable.
✔ Yield: 200–400 kg per tree annually.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 80–150 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 1,500,000–3,000,000.
✔ Best Locations: Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga.
💡 Pro Tip: Grafting Hass avocado trees ensures faster growth and better yields.
7. Passion Fruits—High Demand in Local & Export Markets
Passion fruit farming is one of the most profitable agribusinesses in Kenya, with consistent market demand.
Why Passion Fruits Are Profitable
✔ Yield: 10–15 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 80–200 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 800,000–1,500,000.
✔ Best Locations: Nyeri, Meru, Kiambu, and Kericho.
Pro Tip: Both local and export markets prefer purple passion fruit.
8. Maize—Kenya’s Staple Crop
Maize is the most widely grown crop in Kenya and has a guaranteed market due to high national consumption.
Why Maize Is Profitable
✔ Yield: 25–40 bags (90 kg) per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 4,000–7,000 per 90 kg bag.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 200,000–400,000.
✔ Best Locations: Rift Valley, Western Kenya, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru.
💡 Pro Tip: Plant hybrid maize varieties like DK 777 and H614 for higher yields.
9. Capsicum (Bell Peppers)–High-Value Crop
Capsicum (bell pepper) farming is highly profitable, especially with greenhouse farming.
Why Capsicum Is Profitable
✔ Yield: 15–30 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 80–200 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 600,000–1,500,000.
✔ Best Locations: Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, Nakuru.
💡 Pro Tip: Greenhouse cultivation boosts yield and protects crops from weather damage.
10. French Beans—High Export Demand
French beans are one of Kenya’s top export crops, with Europe as the largest buyer.
Why French Beans Are Profitable
✔ Yield: 3–5 tonnes per acre.
✔ Market Price: Ksh 150–300 per kg.
✔ Profit per Acre: Ksh 500,000–1,500,000.
✔ Best Locations: Kirinyaga, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru.
💡 Pro Tip: Farmers must obtain export certification to access premium markets.
Final Thoughts
Growing high-value crops like onions, garlic, strawberries, and Hass avocados can maximize profits in Kenya’s agribusiness sector.
At Fincare Investments, we help farmers find the best land for leasing or purchase to maximize their crop yields.
🚜 Looking for farmland to lease or buy? Contact us today for the best deals!
