This article focuses on cash crops grown in Kenya. Cash crops are agricultural crops that are mainly grown for commercial purposes or for sale. Most of the crops are exported to other countries.
Here is a list of cash crops grown in Kenya
1. Tea
Tea is a cash crop that earns Kenya the highest foreign exchange. It is mainly grown in highlands, in areas such as Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Vihiga, Kisii, Murang’a and Kiambu.
2. Coffee
Kenya is a leading producer of coffee which also earns the country a lot of foreign exchange. The main varieties of coffee grown in the country are Arabica and Robusta.
3. Flowers
Flowers are important cash crops that are grown in the country for the export market. Most of the flowers are grown in Nakuru, Kiambu and Naivasha.
4. Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum is a flowering plant which is grown on small scale in Kenya. It is grown in Nakuru, Limuru, Molo, Sotik, Kisii, Nyamira and parts of Kinangop.
5. Wheat
Wheat is also an important crop that is grown for commercial purposes. It is mainly used to make flour and alcoholic beverages. The biggest wheat farms in Kenya are found in Uasin Gishu, Narok, Nakuru and Laikipia.
6. Cotton
Cotton is grown to produce cotton balls which are used by textile industries to make clothes. Main growing areas in Kenya are Siaya, Tana River, Machakos, Busia and Homabay.
7. Maize
Maize is both a food crop and a cash crop. Most maize large scale farmers are found in Kitale, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Nandi, Sotik and parts of the Western region.
8. Sugarcane
Sugarcane is a cash crop that is grown both on small scale and large scale in Kenya. The biggest buyers of sugarcane are sugar manufacturing companies. Main growing areas are Mumias, Kakamega, South Nyanza, Busia, Chemelil, Muhoroni and Bungoma.
9. Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts are mainly grown for export. Most of the cashew nuts farmers in Kenya are found in parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Kilifi and Kwale.
10. Sisal
Sisal is an important cash crop which is grown for its fibre. The fibre is used to make products such as ropes, strings, packing bags and sacks. It is mainly grown in Kilifi and Voi.
