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A new report has revealed that only 20% of Kenya’s soil is suitable for food production, raising concerns about the country’s agricultural future. 

The Soil Atlas Health Report 2025 highlights that massive soil degradation is threatening Kenya’s ability to grow enough food.

According to the report, Kenya loses about 26 tons of soil per hectare every year due to water erosion. 

In some regions, this loss goes beyond 90 tons per hectare, further worsening the problem. 

Soil plays a crucial role in food security and environmental sustainability. 

It also helps in fighting climate change by storing carbon, which is absorbed from the atmosphere through plant roots.

Several factors have contributed to the deterioration of soil quality in Kenya. 

Overgrazing, poor farming methods, deforestation, and unpredictable weather patterns have all played a role.

In dry areas, overgrazing is a major issue. When livestock eat too much vegetation, the land is left bare and vulnerable to erosion. 

This reduces the soil’s ability to retain water and support plant growth. 

Additionally, poor irrigation practices have led to the accumulation of salt in the soil, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. 

When low-quality water is used for irrigation, it leaves behind salts as it evaporates, making the land unsuitable for farming. 

The report states that 40% of irrigated land in Kenya is affected by salinity, making it harder to grow crops.

Nutrient depletion is another serious problem. The report notes that over 85% of soils in Kenya lack essential nutrients due to continuous farming without proper replenishment. 

Soil acidity has also increased, further reducing soil fertility and crop yields.

The report warns that declining soil quality could reduce agricultural production by 30%, leading to increased dependence on food imports. 

This comes at a time when food security in Kenya is already under threat. 

A recent assessment by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) predicts that 2.8 million people could face acute food insecurity between April and June 2026 due to poor rains.

Children under six years and breastfeeding mothers in arid and semi-arid regions are at the highest risk of malnutrition. 

The rising number of people in need of food assistance—from 2.15 million to 2.8 million—shows the urgent need for soil conservation and sustainable farming methods.