Best Crops and Livestock for Your County in Kenya

Interactive map47 counties7 farming zonesUpdated 8 November 2026

Best Crops and Livestock for Your County in Kenya

Tap your county on the map, or pick a zone. See what grows and sells in your area, with the guides to match.

Find my countyTest your profit
47counties on the map
7farming zones
35products ranked by county
4.5 millionfarming households, approximately

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Tap Your County, See What to Farm There

Each county lists its priority crops, livestock and fish. Open a card for the guides and a quick profit test.

Pick a product to light up the counties where it leads.

Nairobi Mombasa Kwale Kilifi Tana River Lamu Taita Taveta Garissa Wajir Mandera Marsabit Isiolo Meru Tharaka-Nithi Embu Kitui Machakos Nyandarua Nyeri Kirinyaga Murang’a Kiambu Turkana West Pokot Samburu Uasin Gishu Elgeyo-Marakwet Nandi Baringo Laikipia Nakuru Narok Kajiado Makueni Kericho Kakamega Vihiga Bungoma Busia Siaya Homa Bay Migori Kisii Bomet Nyamira Kisumu Trans Nzoia

Western

About 1.6 million farming households

Crops
Maize, French beans, sugar, groundnuts, sweet potato and Irish potatoes.
Livestock and fish
Dairy, poultry and fish.
Rain and soil
Two medium rainy seasons. Red soils of medium to high fertility.
Pick your county
BometDairy · Indigenous chicken · Irish potato · Maize
Priority value chains in Bomet
Also listed for Bomet in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Bomet profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Bomet
BungomaDairy · Indigenous chicken · Tomato
Priority value chains in Bungoma
Also listed for Bungoma in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Bungoma profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Bungoma
BusiaFish · Indigenous chicken · Groundnut
Priority value chains in Busia
See the full Busia profileTest the profit of fishAsk about farming in Busia
Elgeyo-MarakwetDairy · Indigenous chicken · Irish potato
Priority value chains in Elgeyo-Marakwet
Also listed for Elgeyo-Marakwet in the national strategy

Maize.

See the full Elgeyo-Marakwet profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Elgeyo-Marakwet
Homa BayFish · Indigenous chicken · Sorghum
Priority value chains in Homa Bay
Also listed for Homa Bay in the national strategy

Beef, Sweet potato.

See the full Homa Bay profileTest the profit of fishAsk about farming in Homa Bay
KakamegaDairy · Indigenous chicken · Maize
Priority value chains in Kakamega
Also listed for Kakamega in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Kakamega profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Kakamega
KerichoDairy · Indigenous chicken · Tomato
Priority value chains in Kericho
Also listed for Kericho in the national strategy

Irish potato, Fish, Passion fruit.

See the full Kericho profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Kericho
KisiiBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Kisii
Also listed for Kisii in the national strategy

Horticulture, Beef, Fish, Sweet potato.

See the full Kisii profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Kisii
KisumuCotton · Fish · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Kisumu
Also listed for Kisumu in the national strategy

Horticulture, Beef, Passion fruit.

See the full Kisumu profileTest the profit of cottonAsk about farming in Kisumu
MigoriDairy · Indigenous chicken · Sweet potato
Priority value chains in Migori
Also listed for Migori in the national strategy

Horticulture, Fish, Beef, Honey.

See the full Migori profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Migori
NandiDairy · Fish · Maize · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Nandi
Also listed for Nandi in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Beef, Passion fruit.

See the full Nandi profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Nandi
NyamiraBanana · Dairy · Indigenous vegetables
Priority value chains in Nyamira
Also listed for Nyamira in the national strategy

Horticulture, Passion fruit.

See the full Nyamira profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Nyamira
SiayaIndigenous chicken · Fish · Mango
Priority value chains in Siaya
See the full Siaya profileTest the profit of indigenous chickenAsk about farming in Siaya
Trans NzoiaDairy · Maize · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Trans Nzoia
Also listed for Trans Nzoia in the national strategy

Horticulture, Irish potato, Rice.

See the full Trans Nzoia profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Trans Nzoia
Uasin GishuDairy · Maize · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Uasin Gishu
Also listed for Uasin Gishu in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Passion fruit.

See the full Uasin Gishu profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Uasin Gishu
VihigaBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Vihiga
Also listed for Vihiga in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Vihiga profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Vihiga

Rift Valley

About 0.4 million farming households

Crops
Maize, wheat, sorghum, Irish potatoes and honey.
Livestock and fish
Goats, sheep, chicken and dairy cattle.
Rain and soil
One season of moderate rain. Mixed shallow and deep soils.
Pick your county
BaringoDairy · Honey · Meat goat
Priority value chains in Baringo
See the full Baringo profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Baringo
NakuruDairy · Fish · Pyrethrum
Priority value chains in Nakuru
Also listed for Nakuru in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Beef, Maize, Rice.

See the full Nakuru profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Nakuru
NarokBeef · Dairy · Maize
Priority value chains in Narok
Also listed for Narok in the national strategy

Irish potato.

See the full Narok profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Narok

Central Highlands

About 1 million farming households

Crops
Coffee, tea, Irish potatoes, French beans, bananas and tomatoes.
Livestock and fish
Dairy cattle and poultry.
Rain and soil
Two seasons of high rain. Deep, very fertile red soils.

Nairobi, your nearest big market, is not coloured on the strategy’s map.

Pick your county
KiambuBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Kiambu
Also listed for Kiambu in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Beef.

See the full Kiambu profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Kiambu
KirinyagaBanana · Dairy · Rice
Priority value chains in Kirinyaga
Also listed for Kirinyaga in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture.

See the full Kirinyaga profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Kirinyaga
MeruDairy · Indigenous chicken · Sorghum
Priority value chains in Meru
Also listed for Meru in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Maize.

See the full Meru profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Meru
Murang’aDairy · French beans · Mango
Priority value chains in Murang’a
Also listed for Murang’a in the national strategy

Horticulture, Banana, Snow peas.

See the full Murang'a profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Murang’a
NairobiBroilers · Dairy · Kale
Priority value chains in Nairobi
Also listed for Nairobi in the national strategy

Maize, Poultry.

See the full Nairobi profileTest the profit of broilersAsk about farming in Nairobi
NyandaruaDairy · Fish · Irish potato
Priority value chains in Nyandarua
See the full Nyandarua profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Nyandarua
NyeriDairy · Irish potato · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Nyeri
Also listed for Nyeri in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Nyeri profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Nyeri
Tharaka-NithiBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Tharaka-Nithi
Also listed for Tharaka-Nithi in the national strategy

Green grams, Honey.

See the full Tharaka-Nithi profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Tharaka-Nithi

Semi-Arid Uplands

About 0.5 million farming households

Crops
Dryland crops such as sorghum and peas.
Livestock and fish
Beef cattle.
Rain and soil
One season of low rain. Acidic soils of low to medium fertility.
Pick your county
EmbuBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Embu
Also listed for Embu in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Beef.

See the full Embu profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Embu
KajiadoBeef · Dairy · Tomato
Priority value chains in Kajiado
See the full Kajiado profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Kajiado
KituiIndigenous chicken · Sorghum · Green grams
Priority value chains in Kitui
Also listed for Kitui in the national strategy

Horticulture, Cowpeas.

See the full Kitui profileTest the profit of indigenous chickenAsk about farming in Kitui
MachakosDairy · Indigenous chicken · Mango
Priority value chains in Machakos
Also listed for Machakos in the national strategy

Horticulture, Green grams, Cowpeas, Honey.

See the full Machakos profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Machakos
MakueniIndigenous chicken · Mango · Green grams
Priority value chains in Makueni
Also listed for Makueni in the national strategy

Horticulture, Cowpeas, Honey.

See the full Makueni profileTest the profit of indigenous chickenAsk about farming in Makueni
Tana RiverBeef · Fish · Mango
Priority value chains in Tana River
Also listed for Tana River in the national strategy

Maize, Irish potato, Rice.

See the full Tana River profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Tana River

Coast

About 0.3 million farming households

Crops
Maize, sorghum, millet, cashews and mangoes.
Livestock and fish
Poultry, plus sea fish, crabs, prawns and shellfish.
Rain and soil
Two seasons of moderate rain. A mix of sandy and fertile soils.
Pick your county
KilifiAfrican bird’s eye chilli · Cassava · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Kilifi
Also listed for Kilifi in the national strategy

Horticulture, Fish.

See the full Kilifi profileTest the profit of indigenous chickenAsk about farming in Kilifi
KwaleAfrican bird’s eye chilli · Indigenous chicken · Passion fruit
Priority value chains in Kwale
Also listed for Kwale in the national strategy

Fish.

See the full Kwale profileTest the profit of indigenous chickenAsk about farming in Kwale
LamuCashew nut · Fish · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Lamu
Also listed for Lamu in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Lamu profileTest the profit of fishAsk about farming in Lamu
MombasaFish · Indigenous chicken · Indigenous vegetables
Priority value chains in Mombasa
Also listed for Mombasa in the national strategy

Horticulture, Rice, Palm oil.

See the full Mombasa profileTest the profit of fishAsk about farming in Mombasa

Northern ASALs

About 0.4 million farming households

Crops
Mostly pastoralism, with some maize on raised plateaus.
Livestock and fish
Camels, goats and sheep.
Rain and soil
One season of rain at best. Sandy, salty, low-fertility soils.
Pick your county
ManderaCamel milk · Meat goat · Tomato
Priority value chains in Mandera
Also listed for Mandera in the national strategy

Horticulture, Fish.

See the full Mandera profileTest the profit of meat goatAsk about farming in Mandera
MarsabitCamel milk · Kale · Meat goat
Priority value chains in Marsabit
Also listed for Marsabit in the national strategy

Horticulture, Beef, Fish.

See the full Marsabit profileTest the profit of kaleAsk about farming in Marsabit
TurkanaFish · Meat goat · Sorghum
Priority value chains in Turkana
Also listed for Turkana in the national strategy

Beef, Maize, Irish potato, Rice.

See the full Turkana profileTest the profit of fishAsk about farming in Turkana
WajirCamel milk · Tomato · Watermelon
Priority value chains in Wajir
Also listed for Wajir in the national strategy

Horticulture, Beef, Poultry.

See the full Wajir profileTest the profit of tomatoAsk about farming in Wajir

Central ASALs

About 0.3 million farming households

Crops
Mostly pastoralism, with some maize on raised plateaus.
Livestock and fish
Beef cattle, goats and sheep.
Rain and soil
One season of rain at best. Salty, low-fertility soils.
Pick your county
GarissaCamel milk · Beef · Tomato
Priority value chains in Garissa
Also listed for Garissa in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Garissa profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Garissa
IsioloBeef · Camel milk · Tomato
Priority value chains in Isiolo
Also listed for Isiolo in the national strategy

Horticulture.

See the full Isiolo profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Isiolo
LaikipiaDairy · Maize · Sheep and goats
Priority value chains in Laikipia
Also listed for Laikipia in the national strategy

Irish potato, Horticulture, Poultry.

See the full Laikipia profileTest the profit of dairyAsk about farming in Laikipia
SamburuBeef · Honey · Maize
Priority value chains in Samburu
See the full Samburu profileTest the profit of beefAsk about farming in Samburu
Taita TavetaBanana · Dairy · Indigenous chicken
Priority value chains in Taita Taveta
Also listed for Taita Taveta in the national strategy

Horticulture, Beef.

See the full Taita Taveta profileTest the profit of bananaAsk about farming in Taita Taveta
West PokotHoney · Indigenous chicken · Meat goat
Priority value chains in West Pokot
Also listed for West Pokot in the national strategy

Irish potato, Maize, Rice.

See the full West Pokot profileTest the profit of honeyAsk about farming in West Pokot

Zones, household numbers and crops: Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019 to 2029, section 2.4, with counties placed from the strategy’s map (Exhibit 11). County priorities: the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) and ASTGS, as compiled in our guide to the most marketable agricultural products in Kenya.

Kenya Farming at a Glance

What the latest national figures show about where Kenya’s food and cash crops come from.

Staples

Counties reported 3.8 million tonnes of maize in 2023. Uasin Gishu led with 360,454 tonnes. Trans Nzoia, Narok, Bungoma and Nakuru also produced more than 200,000 tonnes each. The top five counties grew 37% of the national crop.

Cash crops

Cash crops are far more concentrated. Tea comes from 15 counties, and Bomet, Kericho and Nandi lead with 56% of made tea. Coffee is grown in 32 counties, led by Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nyeri. Sugar comes from 13 counties, and Bungoma leads. Murang'a ranks first for macadamia.

Livestock

Reported dairy herds are largest in Nakuru, Garissa and Nyandarua. Indigenous chicken is kept everywhere, and Migori, Homa Bay and Kitui lead. Turkana tops the beef herd, and Wajir holds the most camels. Dry counties favour goats, sheep and camels.

Seasons

Most of Kenya has two rainy seasons. The long rains run from March to May. The short rains come from late October to December. High ground in the North Rift has one main season. Rain onset is erratic, so planting can stretch from March to May.

Zones

The national strategy groups Kenya into seven farming zones. Western and the Central Highlands have small farms and heavy rain. The Rift Valley has the largest farms. The arid and semi-arid zones depend on livestock.

Source: KNBS National Agriculture Production Report 2023 to 2024. Seasons: FEWS NET Kenya country book. Zones: Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy 2019 to 2029.

Check Four Things Before You Pick a Product

A county list shows what is possible. Four checks show what will pay on your farm.

1

Zone fit

Does your zone’s rain and soil suit the crop?

2

A buyer

Who will buy it, at what price, and how far away?

3

The numbers

Run your size, yield and price in the farm profit calculator.

4

The money

Plan your costs and find finance before you buy seed or stock.

Which Farm Products Are a Priority in the Most Counties?

Indigenous chicken leads, with 29 of 47 counties. Dairy follows with 28. Both suit small farms in most zones.

Indigenous chicken29 of 47 counties
Dairy28 of 47 counties
Fish11 of 47 counties
Maize8 of 47 counties
Banana8 of 47 counties
Tomato7 of 47 counties
Beef6 of 47 counties
Mango5 of 47 counties
Meat goat5 of 47 counties
Camel milk5 of 47 counties

Counts come from each county’s top priority products on the map above.

Top 10 Counties for Every Farm Product

Rank 1 is the biggest producer or herd among counties that report the product. Open a product to see its leaders.

Food crops

Maize: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 3.8 million tonnes in 2023, reported by 47 counties. The national average yield is 1.6 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Uasin Gishu360,4549.5%3.5
2Trans Nzoia340,5428.9%3.6
3Narok271,4687.1%2.1
4Bungoma222,9125.9%2.4
5Nakuru214,1335.6%3.2
6Machakos175,4934.6%1.3
7Meru151,0394.0%1.1
8Elgeyo Marakwet150,2213.9%3.5
9Kakamega132,5723.5%1.5
10Kisii119,2443.1%1.8
Read the maize guideTest the profit
Sorghum: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 196,927 tonnes in 2023, reported by 41 counties. The national average yield is 1.0 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Kitui37,32519.0%0.5
2Meru34,34017.4%3.2
3Homa Bay28,04214.2%1.1
4Kisumu26,94613.7%1.3
5Siaya14,8767.6%1.0
6Tharaka Nithi11,0665.6%0.6
7Busia7,7103.9%1.4
8Embu6,4913.3%1.7
9Turkana3,9512.0%0.8
10Migori3,9222.0%0.8
Read the sorghum guideTest the profit
Finger millet: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 39,405 tonnes in 2023, reported by 27 counties. The national average yield is 0.8 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Nyamira6,61316.8%0.7
2Baringo5,99515.2%0.9
3Kisii5,83514.8%0.8
4Bomet3,3148.4%0.6
5Elgeyo Marakwet2,9967.6%1.2
6Meru2,9417.5%0.5
7Busia2,7016.9%0.8
8Bungoma1,4143.6%1.5
9Trans Nzoia1,1933.0%1.8
10Migori1,1863.0%1.3
Test the profit
Pearl millet: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 47,357 tonnes in 2023, reported by 5 counties. The national average yield is 0.6 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Kitui22,29247.1%0.4
2Embu9,55720.2%1.4
3Tharaka Nithi7,78316.4%0.5
4Meru7,67216.2%1.0
5Makueni530.1%0.4
Test the profit
Dry beans: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 818,500 tonnes in 2023, reported by 39 counties. The national average yield is 0.7 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Nakuru99,92612.2%2.0
2Meru54,2446.6%0.4
3Machakos53,8266.6%0.6
4Trans Nzoia47,8425.8%0.8
5Bungoma45,0735.5%0.7
6Narok44,7735.5%0.9
7Kakamega43,5405.3%0.9
8Kajiado42,5255.2%0.9
9Kericho25,3363.1%1.1
10Kisii24,3923.0%0.5
Test the profit
Cowpeas: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 157,689 tonnes in 2023, reported by 37 counties. The national average yield is 0.7 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Makueni52,05933.0%0.8
2Kitui50,58732.1%0.6
3Machakos15,76610.0%0.6
4Embu9,1425.8%1.0
5Kilifi5,7253.6%0.6
6Lamu5,7083.6%0.6
7Meru3,8932.5%0.4
8Kwale3,3962.2%0.6
9Tana River2,8091.8%1.4
10Homa Bay1,3780.9%1.0
Green grams: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 170,511 tonnes in 2023, reported by 33 counties. The national average yield is 0.6 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Kitui79,43546.6%0.7
2Makueni39,90323.4%0.5
3Machakos11,2656.6%0.5
4Lamu10,0275.9%0.9
5Meru7,3234.3%0.5
6Embu6,0253.5%0.5
7Kwale3,3352.0%0.5
8Kisumu2,8271.7%0.7
9Kilifi2,7781.6%0.3
10Taita Taveta2,2801.3%0.7
Read the green grams guideTest the profit
Pigeon peas: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 183,651 tonnes in 2023, reported by 19 counties. The national average yield is 0.6 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Makueni91,93250.1%0.7
2Meru30,92916.8%0.8
3Machakos24,51413.3%0.4
4Kitui21,68011.8%0.5
5Tharaka Nithi12,5966.9%Not given
6Taita Taveta6700.4%0.7
7Lamu3000.2%0.6
8Embu2820.2%0.2
9Murang'a2270.1%0.6
10Migori1240.1%0.8
Test the profit
Irish potatoes: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 2.3 million tonnes in 2023, reported by 28 counties. The national average yield is 9.7 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Nakuru657,09128.5%13.1
2Nyandarua437,74819.0%10.0
3Elgeyo Marakwet259,25211.2%10.3
4Meru236,40710.2%9.6
5Narok140,6156.1%9.4
6Kiambu102,6454.4%5.3
7Nyeri97,9754.2%6.0
8West Pokot96,1094.2%12.0
9Uasin Gishu55,5902.4%7.2
10Laikipia47,8572.1%7.8
Read the Irish potatoes guideTest the profit
Sweet potatoes: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 667,428 tonnes in 2023, reported by 42 counties. The national average yield is 12.3 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnesShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Homa Bay164,54524.7%12.2
2Migori152,02422.8%15.1
3Siaya82,79412.4%12.0
4Busia59,3258.9%15.1
5Kisumu28,9694.3%9.8
6Bungoma21,6123.2%13.4
7Kakamega20,7293.1%6.9
8Meru18,0992.7%13.8
9Narok14,0692.1%11.6
10Kiambu9,9191.5%11.3
Read the sweet potatoes guide

Cash crops

Tea: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 564,850 tonnes of made tea in 2023, reported by 15 counties. The national average yield is 2.5 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnes of made teaShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Bomet110,66619.6%2.4
2Kericho104,84618.6%2.6
3Nandi97,68117.3%2.6
4Murang'a47,2608.4%2.7
5Nyamira39,3037.0%2.4
6Kiambu38,9926.9%2.0
7Meru32,7775.8%2.6
8Nyeri21,6703.8%2.8
9Kirinyaga20,9293.7%2.5
10Kisii18,6073.3%2.2
Test the profit
Coffee: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 48,648 tonnes of clean coffee in 2023, reported by 32 counties.

RankCountyTonnes of clean coffeeShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Kiambu9,46019.4%Not given
2Kirinyaga8,40617.3%Not given
3Nyeri6,31613.0%Not given
4Murang'a5,13010.5%Not given
5Kericho4,7249.7%Not given
6Bungoma2,5735.3%Not given
7Meru2,3664.9%Not given
8Embu1,9324.0%Not given
9Nandi1,5523.2%Not given
10Machakos1,2822.6%Not given
Test the profit
Sugarcane: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 446,650 tonnes of sugar in 2023, reported by 13 counties. The national average yield is 1.8 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnes of sugarShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Bungoma92,40920.7%Not given
2Kakamega87,36719.6%Not given
3Kisumu53,87412.1%Not given
4Nandi43,4439.7%Not given
5Busia40,7709.1%Not given
6Migori31,9387.2%Not given
7Narok31,8467.1%Not given
8Kericho26,9246.0%Not given
9Kwale13,6293.1%Not given
10Trans Nzoia11,4422.6%Not given
Test the profit
Macadamia: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 40,614 tonnes of nuts in 2023, reported by 12 counties. The national average yield is 5.1 t per ha.

RankCountyTonnes of nutsShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Murang'a11,10827.4%4.7
2Meru7,53018.5%5.4
3Embu5,33713.1%4.8
4Kiambu5,10512.6%5.1
5Kirinyaga4,30110.6%4.9
6Nyeri2,6156.4%5.4
7Tharaka Nithi1,6604.1%5.9
8Machakos9572.4%6.2
9Nyandarua8672.1%6.1
10Baringo5701.4%6.2
Test the profit
Cotton: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 7,006 bales of lint in 2023, reported by 21 counties.

RankCountyBales of lintShare of KenyaYield (t per ha)
1Lamu3,89455.6%Not given
2Homa Bay84412.0%Not given
3Meru4396.3%Not given
4Siaya3454.9%Not given
5Busia3014.3%Not given
6Baringo2323.3%Not given
7Kitui2012.9%Not given
8Tharaka Nithi1422.0%Not given
9Kilifi1291.8%Not given
10Makueni1191.7%Not given
Read the cotton guideTest the profit

Cattle, sheep and goats

Dairy cattle: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 5.5 million animals in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Nakuru466,7798.4%
2Garissa399,1057.2%
3Nyandarua385,2006.9%
4Uasin Gishu349,7146.3%
5Bomet329,9466.0%
6Murang'a322,1185.8%
7Kericho281,6015.1%
8Elgeyo Marakwet280,3855.1%
9Kiambu273,8364.9%
10Meru227,3704.1%
Read the dairy cattle guideTest the profit
Beef cattle: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 16.3 million animals in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Turkana3.6 million22.0%
2Narok1.4 million8.5%
3Garissa1.2 million7.1%
4Wajir749,8494.6%
5Kitui602,5053.7%
6Mandera597,2793.7%
7West Pokot538,8793.3%
8Tana River515,5583.2%
9Siaya504,1243.1%
10Migori441,8982.7%
Read the beef cattle guideTest the profit
Meat goats: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 34.4 million animals in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Turkana8.1 million23.4%
2Wajir3 million8.7%
3Mandera2.5 million7.4%
4Kitui2 million5.8%
5Garissa1.9 million5.6%
6Tharaka Nithi1.1 million3.3%
7Isiolo1.1 million3.2%
8Baringo1 million3.0%
9Lamu1 million3.0%
10Kajiado1 million3.0%
Read the meat goats guideTest the profit
Dairy goats: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 603,349 animals in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Bomet82,76213.7%
2Murang'a79,66313.2%
3Nyeri53,1958.8%
4Embu49,9278.3%
5Nakuru47,5937.9%
6Meru38,8206.4%
7Kirinyaga24,3374.0%
8Tharaka Nithi22,8153.8%
9Nyandarua20,9003.5%
10Laikipia18,5503.1%
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Hair sheep: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 21.9 million animals in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Turkana6.7 million30.3%
2Narok2.6 million12.1%
3Wajir2.1 million9.7%
4Garissa1 million4.7%
5Kajiado959,6544.4%
6Isiolo883,0104.0%
7Mandera636,5002.9%
8West Pokot555,9412.5%
9Nakuru537,9372.5%
10Marsabit532,5502.4%
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Wool sheep: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 1.3 million animals in 2023, reported by 20 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Nyandarua340,20026.8%
2Nakuru259,50320.4%
3Elgeyo Marakwet220,87517.4%
4West Pokot100,1047.9%
5Bomet88,8507.0%
6Narok73,1965.8%
7Uasin Gishu40,2693.2%
8Kiambu40,1973.2%
9Meru32,3102.5%
10Murang'a18,4591.5%
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Other livestock

Camels: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 4.3 million animals in 2023, reported by 26 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Wajir1.2 million28.2%
2Turkana1.1 million24.6%
3Mandera744,61217.4%
4Garissa491,28011.5%
5Lamu221,5085.2%
6Marsabit183,3884.3%
7Isiolo162,5163.8%
8Tana River71,6571.7%
9Samburu60,0181.4%
10West Pokot21,3430.5%
Donkeys: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 1.7 million animals in 2023, reported by 46 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Turkana542,90831.5%
2Kitui326,09518.9%
3Garissa134,4227.8%
4Mandera115,1626.7%
5Narok87,8105.1%
6Lamu73,3854.3%
7Marsabit72,9684.2%
8Kajiado40,1022.3%
9Isiolo39,2832.3%
10Makueni38,1862.2%
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Beehives: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 1.7 million hives in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyHivesShare of Kenya
1Kitui227,82913.6%
2Baringo198,90011.9%
3Tharaka Nithi170,00310.1%
4Laikipia95,4305.7%
5West Pokot93,4305.6%
6Embu56,7903.4%
7Elgeyo Marakwet53,6273.2%
8Nakuru52,6343.1%
9Narok49,6283.0%
10Makueni49,1732.9%
Read the beehives guideTest the profit
Pigs: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 840,160 animals in 2023, reported by 43 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Kisumu159,29019.0%
2Kiambu96,68211.5%
3Busia86,22010.3%
4Kakamega83,2999.9%
5Kajiado51,3186.1%
6Murang'a48,3735.8%
7Meru42,0705.0%
8Embu28,8333.4%
9Nakuru27,5173.3%
10Siaya20,2602.4%
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Rabbits: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 780,885 animals in 2023, reported by 46 counties.

RankCountyAnimalsShare of Kenya
1Tharaka Nithi101,27113.0%
2Nakuru66,3768.5%
3Murang'a64,2848.2%
4Kakamega61,7217.9%
5Nyandarua56,5507.2%
6Bungoma40,5415.2%
7Embu31,1924.0%
8Nyeri28,6803.7%
9Machakos26,8973.4%
10Meru25,6603.3%
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Poultry

Indigenous chicken: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 54.3 million birds in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Migori4.6 million8.5%
2Homa Bay4.6 million8.5%
3Kitui4.1 million7.5%
4Kakamega3.4 million6.3%
5Kisumu3.4 million6.2%
6Bungoma3.1 million5.7%
7Machakos2.4 million4.4%
8Busia1.7 million3.2%
9Nakuru1.6 million2.9%
10Meru1.4 million2.7%
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Layers: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 6.4 million birds in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kiambu1.6 million25.1%
2Murang'a558,3918.7%
3Machakos468,3867.3%
4Kitui452,8597.1%
5Kakamega434,2476.8%
6Nakuru301,7374.7%
7Trans Nzoia262,6684.1%
8Taita Taveta204,8803.2%
9Kajiado156,6172.4%
10Nairobi139,0052.2%
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Broilers: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 5.5 million birds in 2023, reported by 47 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kajiado1 million18.2%
2Kisumu676,40312.3%
3Kirinyaga499,0509.1%
4Machakos446,9898.1%
5Kiambu439,3348.0%
6Kakamega344,4926.3%
7Nairobi269,9744.9%
8Kilifi227,0104.1%
9Garissa204,0003.7%
10Nyeri186,8003.4%
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Turkeys: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 236,471 birds in 2023, reported by 44 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1West Pokot33,48814.2%
2Bungoma30,97513.1%
3Tana River23,2669.8%
4Kitui23,1299.8%
5Kakamega19,2418.1%
6Nakuru15,8036.7%
7Nyandarua9,9404.2%
8Trans Nzoia7,7703.3%
9Turkana7,6643.2%
10Busia6,7232.8%
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Ducks: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 527,713 birds in 2023, reported by 45 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kilifi84,65416.0%
2Kakamega59,26011.2%
3Kwale51,9399.8%
4Bungoma50,4599.6%
5Busia34,1336.5%
6West Pokot18,8933.6%
7Nakuru17,7553.4%
8Kitui17,0023.2%
9Turkana15,1452.9%
10Laikipia12,9302.5%
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Geese: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 199,560 birds in 2023, reported by 43 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kitui17,0808.6%
2Bungoma16,4038.2%
3Nakuru15,2867.7%
4Kakamega12,9556.5%
5Nyandarua12,7206.4%
6Tharaka Nithi11,8275.9%
7Tana River11,0875.6%
8Kilifi10,6615.3%
9Trans Nzoia9,3824.7%
10Kirinyaga8,6384.3%
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Guinea fowl: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 85,832 birds in 2023, reported by 38 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kwale16,39919.1%
2Kakamega12,13114.1%
3Kilifi8,1689.5%
4Busia4,8775.7%
5Bungoma4,1374.8%
6Kitui3,9024.5%
7Nairobi3,0703.6%
8Migori3,0623.6%
9Vihiga2,7603.2%
10Nandi2,4512.9%
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Pigeons: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 225,720 birds in 2023, reported by 28 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Turkana129,24357.3%
2Kakamega22,76010.1%
3Bungoma20,2119.0%
4Kitui12,5525.6%
5Kwale8,5663.8%
6Busia7,2643.2%
7Tana River7,2193.2%
8Kisumu4,2441.9%
9Nairobi2,3861.1%
10Homa Bay2,2831.0%
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Quails: top 10 counties

Kenya total: 30,584 birds in 2023, reported by 19 counties.

RankCountyBirdsShare of Kenya
1Kakamega12,36440.4%
2Siaya4,58415.0%
3Lamu3,09110.1%
4Migori2,6258.6%
5Vihiga2,1006.9%
6Mombasa1,7705.8%
7Homa Bay9623.1%
8Busia7862.6%
9Nairobi5351.7%
10Nyamira3681.2%
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Source: KNBS National Agriculture Production Report 2023 to 2024. Counties report these figures and some years swing sharply. Fruit, vegetable and fish output is not reported by county.

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Agro-Ecological Zones in Kenya, Side by Side

Rain, soil and altitude decide what grows. Compare all seven zones, one card each.

Western

16 counties1.6 million farming households

Typical rainfall
1,200 to 1,800 mm
Typical farm size
0.5 to 5 acres
Household income
KES 15,000 a month
Crops
Maize, French beans, sugar, groundnuts, sweet potato and Irish potatoes.
Livestock and fish
Dairy, poultry and fish.
Rain and soil
Two medium rainy seasons. Red soils of medium to high fertility.

Rift Valley

3 counties0.4 million farming households

Typical rainfall
600 to 1,200 mm
Typical farm size
2 to 60 acres
Household income
KES 30,000 a month
Crops
Maize, wheat, sorghum, Irish potatoes and honey.
Livestock and fish
Goats, sheep, chicken and dairy cattle.
Rain and soil
One season of moderate rain. Mixed shallow and deep soils.

Central Highlands

8 counties1 million farming households

Typical rainfall
1,600 to over 2,000 mm
Typical farm size
2 to 5 acres
Household income
KES 30,000 a month
Crops
Coffee, tea, Irish potatoes, French beans, bananas and tomatoes.
Livestock and fish
Dairy cattle and poultry.
Rain and soil
Two seasons of high rain. Deep, very fertile red soils.

Semi-Arid Uplands

6 counties0.5 million farming households

Typical rainfall
600 to 1,200 mm
Typical farm size
2 to 5 acres
Household income
KES 15,000 a month
Crops
Dryland crops such as sorghum and peas.
Livestock and fish
Beef cattle.
Rain and soil
One season of low rain. Acidic soils of low to medium fertility.

Coast

4 counties0.3 million farming households

Typical rainfall
600 to 1,200 mm
Typical farm size
1 to 10 acres
Household income
under KES 10,000 a month
Crops
Maize, sorghum, millet, cashews and mangoes.
Livestock and fish
Poultry, plus sea fish, crabs, prawns and shellfish.
Rain and soil
Two seasons of moderate rain. A mix of sandy and fertile soils.

Northern ASALs

4 counties0.4 million farming households

Typical rainfall
under 200 to 600 mm
Typical farm size
Group ranches
Household income
under KES 10,000 a month
Crops
Mostly pastoralism, with some maize on raised plateaus.
Livestock and fish
Camels, goats and sheep.
Rain and soil
One season of rain at best. Sandy, salty, low-fertility soils.

Central ASALs

6 counties0.3 million farming households

Typical rainfall
400 to 800 mm
Typical farm size
Group ranches
Household income
under KES 10,000 a month
Crops
Mostly pastoralism, with some maize on raised plateaus.
Livestock and fish
Beef cattle, goats and sheep.
Rain and soil
One season of rain at best. Salty, low-fertility soils.
Read the full AEZ guide

Household, rainfall, farm size and income figures are 2019 strategy estimates. Nairobi is not coloured on the map. Read our guide to agro-ecological zones.

All 47 Counties, A to Z

Each profile has the crops and livestock ranked, a planting calendar, five-year trends and where to sell.

Farming Guides by Product

Once you know what suits your county, read how it is farmed.

Questions Readers Ask

Which county grows the most maize in Kenya?

Uasin Gishu leads with 360,454 tonnes, 9.5% of Kenya's total. Next are Trans Nzoia and Narok.

Which county produces the most tea?

Bomet leads with 110,666 tonnes of made tea, 19.6% of Kenya's total. Kericho and Nandi follow.

Where is coffee grown in Kenya?

Counties reported coffee in 32 counties. Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nyeri lead.

Which county has the most dairy cattle?

Nakuru leads with 466,779 dairy cattle, 8.4% of Kenya's total. Next are Garissa and Nyandarua.

Where is sugarcane grown?

Sugar comes from 13 counties. Bungoma leads, followed by Kakamega and Kisumu.

Which counties lead for Irish potatoes?

Nakuru, Nyandarua and Elgeyo Marakwet are the top three.

Which county keeps the most camels?

Wajir leads with 1.2 million camels.

Which livestock is a priority in most counties?

Indigenous chicken is a priority in 29 of 47 counties. Dairy follows in 28. Fish is third in 11.

What are the agro-ecological zones in Kenya?

The strategy groups Kenya into seven farming zones: Western, Rift Valley, Central Highlands, Semi-Arid Uplands, Coast, Northern ASALs and Central ASALs. ASALs means arid and semi-arid lands.

What crops grow best in my county?

Tap your county on the map. It lists the crops, livestock and fish the national strategy backs there. Match them to your zone's rain and soil.

What can I farm in a dry county?

Dry counties favour camels, meat goats, sheep and beef cattle. Drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and green grams also suit them.

When should I plant in Kenya?

Most areas plant for the long rains in March and April. Some also plant for the short rains in October and November. Each county page has its own calendar.

Does a priority product guarantee profit?

No. Priority means the strategy backs the product. Check your buyers first, then run your own numbers in the farm profit calculator.

Do these figures cover my sub-county or ward?

No. National figures stop at county level. Ask your sub-county agricultural officer about local soil and rain.

Where does the data come from?

Output and rank come from the KNBS National Agriculture Production Report 2023 to 2024. Zones and household figures come from the national strategy for 2019 to 2029.

About This Guide

Updated 8 November 2026. Rankings use 2023 figures from the national report.

How we made this page

Output, area and rank come from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics National Agriculture Production Report 2023 to 2024. Rank compares each county with the counties that report the product. Yield is output divided by area.

Zones, rainfall, farm size and income come from the 2019 national strategy. Our AEZ guide explains them. Seasons follow the FEWS NET Kenya country book, which cites a 2024 Ministry of Agriculture official.

Fruit, vegetables and fish are not reported by county, so they are not ranked. Soil and rain change inside counties, so check local advice before you invest.

Written and maintained by the Agcenture editorial team. Report a correction on WhatsApp.

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© 2026 Agcenture. All rights reserved.County data is indicative. Not financial advice.