Agriculture once again proved its place at the heart of Kenya’s economy after posting steady growth in the first three months of 2026, with improved tea, dairy and sugarcane production helping keep the country's economic momentum on course.
Even as tourism, construction and manufacturing expanded at a faster pace, fresh data shows farming remained the sector that supports the largest share of jobs, rural incomes and food production.
The latest Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows agriculture, forestry and fishing activities grew by 4.9 per cent during the first quarter of 2026. The performance matched the country's overall economic growth, reinforcing the sector's place as one of the biggest contributors to national development.
While sectors such as tourism, construction and manufacturing attracted attention after recording strong growth during the period, agriculture continued to provide the strongest foundation for the economy through employment, food production and export earnings.
“Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing activities recorded a growth of 4.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a growth of 5.3 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025,” KNBS said in the report.
The report attributes the sector's performance to stronger output in several major farming activities, with tea, dairy and sugarcane registering notable improvements during the review period.
Tea production rose during the quarter, strengthening one of Kenya’s leading export crops and one of the country's biggest sources of foreign exchange. The improved harvest is expected to boost incomes for thousands of farmers in tea-growing counties including Kericho, Bomet, Nandi and Nyamira.
Tea continues to play a leading role in Kenya's export market while supporting thousands of households and businesses that depend on the crop across the value chain.
The dairy industry also recorded positive results after milk deliveries to processors increased during the quarter. The rise points to continued demand for processed dairy products as well as improved production by farmers.
The growth is expected to benefit major milk-producing counties such as Nyandarua, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu and Kiambu, where dairy farming remains one of the leading economic activities.
The dairy industry continues to stand out as one of the most reliable parts of the agricultural sector because it gives farmers a regular source of income throughout the year while supporting transporters, processors and retailers.
Sugarcane farming also added to the sector's positive performance after KNBS reported an increase in cane deliveries during the first quarter. The higher deliveries offer fresh hope for Kenya's sugar industry, which remains an important source of employment and income in western Kenya.
Counties including Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu and Migori continue to depend heavily on sugarcane farming and related businesses to support local economies and household livelihoods.
Despite the gains, not every part of the sector recorded growth. KNBS reported that coffee production and fruit exports declined during the quarter, slowing the pace of overall expansion.
Even so, agriculture continued to provide stability for the economy at a time when many industries continue to face changing global market conditions and shifting consumer demand.
Apart from its contribution to economic growth, agriculture remains vital because it feeds the country, supplies raw materials to manufacturers and supports millions of families whose livelihoods depend on farming.
The latest figures show that although tourism, construction and manufacturing posted some of the fastest growth rates during the first quarter of 2026, agriculture remained the pillar that keeps much of Kenya’s economy running. The sector's steady performance continues to highlight its importance in creating jobs, supporting rural communities and driving long-term economic growth.