Kenya’s Nakuru County promotes canola, sunflower farming to boost local feed production

KENYA – Nakuru County is leading an initiative to promote the cultivation of canola and sunflower crops, which promises to boost the edible oils sector and the animal feed industry in Kenya.

Leonard Bor, Nakuru County’s Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, announced the county’s plans to reduce reliance on imported edible oils by encouraging local farmers to grow these drought-resistant crops. 

While this project is primarily seen as a means to cut Kenya’s annual Sh160 billion (US$1.2 billion) edible oil import bill, it also holds potential for the animal feed sector, which benefits from by-products like sunflower and canola cakes.

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reports that Kenya produces only 34% of its edible oils and fat requirements, with the remaining 66% imported.

“We want to start promoting the growing of sunflower, soya, and canola oil crops. This will help to reduce the huge import bill as Kenya can produce edible oils,” said Dr. Dominic Menjo, Food Advisor to President William Ruto.

The initiative in Nakuru County is part of a five-year edible oil promotion project, with Sh1 billion (US$7.72 million) earmarked for 23 other counties. Beyond edible oil production, the project envisions a significant increase in the local production of feed ingredients. 

Sunflower seed cake, for instance, is a common ingredient in poultry feed due to its high protein content, while canola meal is prized for its balanced amino acid profile, making it a versatile feed component.

According to Leonard Bor, the county is working with farmers to grow sunflower and canola crops that can thrive in Nakuru’s diverse ecological zones. 

“Canola cakes, in particular, are highly nutritious for poultry and livestock,” Bor noted, underscoring the dual-purpose value of the crops.

With an increase in sunflower production projected to expand from 4,000 acres to 200,000 acres by next year, the project aims to supply the animal feed industry with quality by-products, helping mitigate the rising feed input costs. 

Subsidised fertilisers and market linkages will benefit farmers, boosting their earnings while supporting the growing demand for locally produced feed ingredients.

The initiative is expected to create over 200,000 jobs and contribute to enhanced food security across Kenya by providing opportunities for smallholder farmers to add value and support the animal feed supply chain.

This push for local production aligns with the broader goals of reducing the import bill and fostering self-reliance in human and livestock nutrition. 

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