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Kenya’s sisal exports fell to 23,323 tonnes in 2025 from 26,168 tonnes in 2024, and earnings dropped to KSh4.73 billion from KSh5.74 billion, according to the Agriculture and Food Authority’s (AFA) Yearbook of Statistics 2026, The Kenyan Wall Street reported on October 29, 2026.
Kenya sisal exports by key market
| Market | 2024 (tonnes) | 2025 (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 11,945.5 (KSh2.65bn) | 8,497.4 (KSh1.72bn) |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,597 | 2,717 |
| Morocco | 1,428 | 2,098 |
| Senegal | 952.5 | 1,284 |
| Ghana | 1,087.5 | 1,083.5 |
| Benin | 345.5 | 749.7 |
| Chad / Cameroon / The Gambia | 56 / 23 / 140 | None recorded |
Nigeria’s slowdown hurts most
Nigeria remains Kenya’s biggest sisal buyer, partly because the fibre is used in its construction industry. But shipments fell about 29% in volume and 35% in value. Gains in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Benin were not enough to offset that drop. The data does not explain why Chad, Cameroon and The Gambia stopped buying. Kenya exported to 30 destinations in 2025, with China also among established buyers.
Production fell 19.4%
Output dropped to 24,899.5 tonnes from 30,893.4 tonnes, even though land under sisal grew 19% to 39,429.3 hectares. AFA blamed drought on major estates, which cut leaf harvesting, along with disease, early pole formation and wildfires linked to human-wildlife conflict. Less fibre meant less to export.
Why it matters
About 96% of Kenyan sisal fibre is exported, so the industry depends heavily on foreign demand. Sisal is grown mainly in arid and semi-arid counties, including Taita Taveta, Makueni, Kilifi, Baringo and Kwale, where it is one of few cash crops suited to dry conditions. Falling output and prices affect estate jobs and smallholder income in those areas.
Opportunities for processors and exporters
- Value addition: exporting raw fibre leaves money on the table. Twine, ropes, mats, sacks and fibre boards fetch higher prices, and demand for natural packaging is rising as plastic bag rules tighten.
- Diversifying markets: growth in Morocco, Senegal and Benin shows demand outside Nigeria.
- Drought resilience: estates that invest in water harvesting and disease control can protect output.
Exporters can get market information from the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) and AFA’s fibre crops directorate.
FAQ
How much sisal did Kenya export in 2025?
23,323 tonnes, worth KSh4.73 billion, according to AFA.
Which country buys most Kenyan sisal?
Nigeria, at 8,497.4 tonnes in 2025.
Where is sisal grown in Kenya?
Mainly in Taita Taveta, Makueni, Kilifi, Baringo and Kwale.
Updated October 31, 2026.
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