Kenya’s mushroom industry has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing domestic demand and emerging export opportunities. A study by John Gacheru and colleagues at MGAK (Mushroom Growers Association of Kenya) provides an overview of the sector, highlighting its current state, challenges, and future prospects.
Production Overview
According to the study, Kenya’s total mushroom production reached approximately 480 tons in the year 2023, a 20% increase from 2022 production. The breakdown of production is as follows:
| Mushroom Type | Percentage of Production |
|---|---|
| Agaricus bisporus (button, cremini, and Portobello) | 93.63% |
| Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushrooms) | 6.25% |
| Lentinula edodes (shiitake) | 0.06% |
| Wild foraged mushrooms | 1.04% |
Despite this substantial local production, Kenya still relies on imports, primarily from Rwanda, to meet domestic demand. An additional 110,000 kg of Agaricus mushrooms were imported to supplement local production.
Major Producers
The industry is supported by both large-scale and small-scale producers. Some of the major contributors include:
| Producer | Annual Production (kg) |
|---|---|
| Majestic Mushrooms | 274,000 (Agaricus mushrooms) |
| Groy Mushrooms Ltd | 139,000 (Agaricus mushrooms) |
| Mycelia and Foods LTD | 2,400 (Agaricus mushrooms), 5,400 (oyster mushrooms) |
| Noble Farms Ltd | 7,200 (Agaricus mushrooms) |
| Cyka Estates LTD | 7,200 (Agaricus mushrooms) |
| Garden Mushrooms | 6,996 (Agaricus mushrooms) |
| Mush-Lav Ltd | 3,000 (Agaricus mushrooms), 2,500 (oyster mushrooms) |
| Makuno Organic Farms | 4,000 (Agaricus mushrooms per cycle – 2 tonnes button, 1 tonne cremini, 1 tonne portobello) |
| Nova Mushroom Farms | 306 (shiitake mushrooms), 1,365 (oyster mushrooms) |
| Galaxy Mushrooms | 3,000 (oyster mushrooms) |
| Kayalo Mushrooms | 2,000 (oyster mushrooms) |
| Pruto Mushrooms | 10,000 (various mushroom varieties) |
Kenyan mushroom producers primarily use the long method of composting (outdoor composting) with wheat straw as the main substrate for Agaricus mushrooms. Oyster mushroom cultivation typically employs wheat straw that is either pasteurized or composted and then steamed.
Challenges
The industry faces several challenges, including:
- Limited availability of quality spawn
- Lack of technical knowledge among farmers
- High setup costs for infrastructure and equipment
- Inefficient post-harvest logistics
- Shortage of fully colonized substrate
- Limited access to finance
- Absence of effective aggregators for small-scale producers
Opportunities for Growth
Despite these challenges, there are several opportunities for growth:
- Development of local spawn production facilities
- Implementation of training programs to enhance technical skills
- Innovations in substrate and composting techniques
- Improvement of post-harvest infrastructure
- Creation of tailored financial products for mushroom farmers
- Expansion into new markets and development of value-added products
Emerging Trends
The industry is also seeing emerging trends, including:
- Increasing interest in medicinal mushrooms
- Advancements in breeding techniques
- Adoption of digital networking and e-commerce
- Focus on sustainability and use of agricultural waste as substrate
- Exploration of Juncao technology for oyster mushroom cultivation
Support from institutions, strategic partnerships, and continued research and development will be crucial for overcoming current obstacles and realizing the industry’s full potential. As the sector evolves, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in Kenya’s agricultural landscape and economy.
