Kenya’s bill for imported edible oils rose sharply to Sh25.61 billion in the April-June quarter of 2025, up 6.84% from a year earlier, even though the volume of oil brought into the country barely changed, official data showed Wednesday.
The Agriculture and Food Authority reported that Kenya imported 183,139 metric tons of assorted edible oils in the three months ending June 30, compared with 182,209 tons in the same period of 2024. The value of those imports, however, jumped by Sh1.64 billion, driven by higher international prices and a growing preference for refined products.
“Total value grew from Sh23.97 billion in 2024 to Sh25.61 billion, driven by higher global prices and a shift to refined products,” the authority said.
Palm oil drives the increase
Palm oil, the dominant cooking oil in Kenyan kitchens, accounted for most of the spending. Imports dipped slightly to 168,418 tons from 172,174 tons a year earlier, but the cost rose to Sh23 billion from Sh22.22 billion because of elevated global prices.
Malaysia and Indonesia remain the main suppliers, while Cameroon and South Africa have emerged as new sources.
Global palm oil prices climbed in 2025 due to tight supplies caused by adverse weather, including La Niña-related disruptions in Southeast Asia, strong biofuel demand and robust consumption in China and India.
Mixed trends in other oils
Soya bean oil imports plunged 32% to 1,671 tons, with the value crashing 67% to Sh252.48 million. The authority attributed the drop to increased local production and substitution by other oils. The United States, Germany, Uganda, Benin and Togo were among the suppliers.
Sunflower oil imports, by contrast, more than doubled to 3,909 tons from 1,773 tons, pushing the value to Sh601.45 million on the back of strong consumer demand.
Imports of oil cake rose to 3,968 tons worth Sh46.24 million, while groundnut imports nearly doubled to 2,410 tons valued at Sh629 million.
Higher costs hit households
The surge in import costs has translated into higher retail prices for cooking oil, adding to the cost-of-living pressures facing many Kenyan families.
In a potentially positive development for consumers, the High Court last month struck down a 10% import duty on palm oil, a move manufacturers say could help bring down prices. Wholesale prices for a 20-liter jerrycan of palm oil have recently ranged between Sh3,800 and Sh4,200.
Push for domestic production
The government is intensifying efforts to reduce Kenya’s near-total dependence on imported edible oils, which currently costs the country roughly Sh160 billion annually.
Through the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project, authorities aim to meet 50% of national demand from local production by 2028. Plans include expanding sunflower and canola cultivation, distributing certified seeds and supporting new processing plants.
“These imports are expected to decline in the coming years due to ongoing government efforts aimed at boosting domestic sunflower seed cultivation and enhancing local edible oil processing capacity,” the Agriculture and Food Authority said.
Officials hope the initiatives will eventually stabilize prices and shield consumers from future global shocks.
