Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried peas (HS 071310) in Kenya function primarily as an import-dependent pulse commodity, with imports materially exceeding exports in recent trade statistics. In 2023, Kenya imported about USD 53.6 million of dried, shelled peas versus exports of about USD 9.2 million, indicating net-importer status. Exports that do occur are largely regional, with neighboring and nearby markets (notably South Sudan and Uganda) featuring prominently as destinations. Within Kenya, dry peas are listed among pulse/legume commodities cultivated across major agricultural regions, but local output appears insufficient to meet demand without imports.
Market RoleNet importer with small regional export trade
Domestic RoleImport-dependent pulse commodity within Kenya’s broader legumes/pulses sector; domestic production exists but does not cover demand
SeasonalityKenya’s pulse supply and pricing are highly influenced by the long rains (March–May) and short rains (October–December), with harvests commonly following the long rains from around June in key crop-producing areas.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Freedom from pests/pest damage and diseases/disease damage is checked during inspection for plant and plant product consignments.
- Excessive moisture is a rejection risk during inspection; dryness and cleanliness are key acceptance factors.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is a key acceptance parameter to reduce spoilage and inspection non-conformities.
Packaging- Packaging is checked for being clearly labelled, clean, and well ventilated during inspection for export/import plant product consignments.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic supply: farm/aggregator procurement → drying/cleaning/sorting → bagging → warehousing → wholesale distribution
- Import supply: overseas shipment → Kenya entry/inspection clearance → inland distribution to wholesale/retail channels
- Regional export supply: aggregation/packing → export inspection/certification → overland movement to regional destination markets (e.g., South Sudan, Uganda)
Temperature- Ambient handling is typical for dried peas, but protection from humidity and condensation is critical to prevent moisture-related quality issues.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and usability are most sensitive to moisture uptake and storage pest infestation during warehousing and transit.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Climate HighBelow-average rains and drought shocks can significantly disrupt Kenya’s rainfed crop production and tighten domestic pulse supply, raising price volatility and increasing import dependence for dried peas.Use diversified sourcing (multiple origins), maintain safety stock around key rainfall-driven seasons, and monitor seasonal outlooks impacting long rains and short rains performance.
Regulatory Compliance HighDocumentation gaps (including phytosanitary documentation errors or mismatches between farms, exporters, and logistics providers) can lead to destination-market interceptions, delays, or rejection for plant/plant product consignments.Implement a pre-shipment document checklist and reconciliation workflow across farm/aggregator, exporter, and freight forwarder; confirm destination phytosanitary conditions before inspection/certification.
Food Safety MediumQuality non-conformities highlighted in inspection practice—such as excessive moisture, pest damage, and MRL non-compliance—can trigger detention or rejection during inspection and clearance processes.Apply moisture control and pest management in storage, conduct pre-shipment inspection sampling, and align pesticide use and residue-control practices to buyer and regulatory requirements.
Logistics MediumKenya’s dried pea supply is exposed to multimodal logistics risks: international freight and port handling affect import landed cost and continuity, while overland corridor conditions affect regional export delivery reliability.Contract freight with buffers, diversify origins and routes where feasible, and use contingency routing/stocking for corridor disruptions affecting regional destinations.
Sustainability- High climate variability exposure for rainfed cropping systems; drought or below-average rains can reduce domestic pulse availability and increase reliance on imports.
Labor & Social- Smallholder participation in legumes/pulses supply chains can create inconsistent aggregation practices and uneven compliance capability without strong buyer support and training.
FAQ
Is Kenya a net importer or net exporter of dried peas?Kenya is a net importer of dried peas. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS platform shows Kenya’s 2023 imports of HS 071310 were substantially higher than its exports.
Which countries supply most of Kenya’s dried pea imports (HS 071310)?In 2023, the leading reported suppliers to Kenya for HS 071310 included the United States, Ukraine, Turkey, Tanzania, and Canada, based on UN Comtrade data presented by World Bank WITS.
What phytosanitary compliance steps matter for exporting dried peas from Kenya?KEPHIS describes inspection and phytosanitary certification for plant and plant products, including checks for pests/diseases, excessive moisture, MRL compliance, and packaging condition. A phytosanitary certificate is issued for export consignments meeting requirements, and KEPHIS highlights the need for strong documentation discipline to avoid destination-market interceptions.