Miller Magazine Issue: 118 October 2019

KENYA 97 MILLER / OCTOBER 2019 increases in both commercial and home-baking. The proliferation and growth of international pasta, con- fectionery, and breakfast cereals brands in the Ken- yan market also points to favorable demand trends wheat and wheat products. FAS forecasts a surge in wheat imports in MY 2019/2020 due to the widening local supply deficit. Kenya’s wheat imports are assessed at 10 percent ad-valorem tariff for registered millers; otherwise, the EAC common external tariff of 35 percent applies. PASTA BECOMES MORE POPULAR Pasta is becoming more popular thanks to its low cost, shelf-stability, and simple preparation. Imports doubled between 2013 and 2017, but unlike in other African countries, Kenya’s millers do not yet produce uncooked pasta. The majority of pasta is currently be- ing imported from Turkey and Egypt. RICE CONSUMPTION INCREASING Rice is the third most important food crop in Ken- ya after maize and wheat. Local production can barely cope with the increasing demand and importation has been inevitable. Rice imports into Kenya are mainly from Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Rice consumption in Kenya is expected to maintain an upward trend, driven mainly by increasing household incomes, and urbanization. Kenya’s local production meets only about 20% of consumption and the resultant deficit is offset by imports by private traders. Kenya ex- ports modest amounts of rice to neighboring countries Uganda and South Sudan. Sources: www.export.gov www.fas.usda.gov www.fao.org