This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya's urban food security is facing unprecedented challenges. The pandemic has disrupted the local food supply, leaving many Kenyans without access to affordable and nutritious food.
One of the biggest shocks to the system was the contraction in air cargo, which slashed Kenya's fresh produce exports. The flower market, which was a major driver of exports, imploded, but the fruit and vegetable markets held up relatively well, as Europeans continued to eat food.
However, the pandemic also led to a shift in market channels, as foreign consumers began buying food in supermarkets instead of restaurants. This shift left many producers stranded, as their sales disappeared and were not replaced.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. The resumption of flights has enabled Kenya to make sales, and the cargo capacity has also recovered. However, the tripled cargo costs remain a major issue, and only when these costs return to normal will the food market be fully restored.
Another major challenge facing Kenya is the ban on wheat exports from Russia, which was imposed on April 26th. This ban affects every third slice of bread eaten in Kenya, which is made from imported Russian wheat. Ukraine, which supplies 12 percent of Kenya's wheat, is also about to ban its wheat exports.
The impact of these bans is being felt across the country, particularly in urban areas where staple foods such as bread, maize, and rice are in short supply. Maize accounts for half of the energy people get from staple foods, while rice accounts for most of the rest. However, Kenya imports 93 percent of its rice, and all foreign rice supplies are compromised due to export bans from Pakistan and India.
With staple foods in short supply, Kenya is facing a severe food security crisis. The country needs to act quickly to address the issue, either by sorting out its transport issues and starting a high-octane programme of growing extra staple foods, or by finding alternative sources of food. The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction will be severe.
