Roots & Tubers
Potato, Cassava, Carrots, etc.
Regions Grown & Production by Crop (2024)
| Crop | Key Regions in Kenya | Estimated Area (Ha) | 2024 Production Volume |
| Potato | Rift Valley (Nakuru, Nyandarua, Meru), Central Highlands | 115,604 | 1.6 million metric tons |
| Cassava | Western (60%), Coast (30%), Eastern (10%) | 63,000 | 946,076 metric tons |
| Sweet Potato | Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley | 54,423 | 669,149 metric tons |
| Yams | Western, Nyanza | 1,276 | 13,135 metric tons |
| Cocoyam | Coastal, Central | 2,016 | 16,740 metric tons |
| Carrots | Central Kenya (Nyandarua, Kiambu), parts of Rift Valley | N/A | N/A |
Economic Impact
- Potato: Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize, supporting approximately 800,000 small-scale farmers and employing over 2.5 million people along the value chain. The Star+1The Star+1
- Cassava: Demand exceeds production by 200%, with local production at 946,076 metric tons against a demand of 3 million metric tons. Capital FM
- Sweet Potato: A vital food security crop, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, with increasing importance due to its drought tolerance.
- Yams & Cocoyam: Cultivated on a smaller scale, these crops contribute to dietary diversity and income in specific regions.
- Carrots: An important horticultural crop in Kenya, particularly in the Central and Rift Valley regions, contributing to both domestic consumption and income generation.
Top African Producers by Crop
| Crop | Top African Producers (2024) |
| Potato | Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya |
| Cassava | Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Angola, Mozambique |
| Sweet Potato | Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique |
| Yams | Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo |
| Cocoyam | Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, Kenya |
| Carrots | Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya |
Growth Trends & Challenges
- Potato: Productivity averages between 8–10 MT/ha, below the potential of 30–40 MT/ha. Challenges include reliance on rain-fed agriculture, limited adoption of improved varieties, and inadequate storage facilities. Standard Media+2Scribd+2Capital FM+2
- Cassava: Average yields are approximately 7–10 MT/ha, significantly lower than the potential yield of 50 MT/ha. Constraints include lack of clean planting materials, unstructured markets, and weak seed systems. Capital FM
- Sweet Potato: Production is increasing due to its adaptability to various agro-ecological zones and its role in food security.Agcenture
- Yams & Cocoyam: Production remains below potential, with opportunities for improvement through research and extension services.
- Carrots: While specific data is limited, carrots are widely cultivated in Kenya’s highland regions, contributing to nutrition and income.
Estimated Losses
- Pest & Disease: Up to 30% yield loss if unmanaged.
- Post-Harvest: Approximately 20% loss due to inadequate handling and storage.
Agronomic Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
| Pests & Diseases | Infestations leading to significant yield losses |
| Climate Variability | Droughts and erratic rainfall affecting crop growth and yields |
| Limited Access to Quality Seeds | Use of low-quality planting materials reducing productivity |
| Inadequate Storage Facilities | Post-harvest losses due to poor storage infrastructure |
| Market Access | Limited market information and infrastructure hindering profitability |