Mung bean becomes a source of income for farmers.

Kenya's mung bean exports surged in the first quarter of 2026, driven by international demand and the crop's adaptation to the country's semi-arid regions. According to data released by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), shipments jumped from 355.82 tons in the same period of 2025 to 6,233.20 tons by March of this year, generating 835.52 million Kenyan shillings in foreign exchange. The information was published by The Kenyan Diaspora and reported by the Brazilian Institute of Beans, Pulses and Special Crops (Ibafe).

The performance consolidated the beanMung bean, known locally as ndengu, is emerging as the fastest-growing export pulse in the country. This growth opens up new income opportunities for thousands of smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions, where the crop exhibits drought resistance and a short production cycle.

According to data released by AFA, the results for the first quarter of 2026 reinforce the growing demand for Kenyan legumes in markets in Asia, Africa and other regions.

The growth trajectory had already been observed in 2025. In the quarter ending in September of that year, exports more than doubled, rising from 5,519.55 tons to 13,241.49 tons, in a scenario of international demand sustained by the crop's tolerance to drought.

Thailand was among the top buyers during this period, with imports exceeding 5,000 tons, valued at over US$4.2 million. The United Arab Emirates and Indonesia also featured among the main destinations, acquiring significant volumes.

In the first quarter of 2026, the export market became more diversified. According to data released by AFA, Hong Kong was the largest destination for Kenyan mung beans, accounting for 22.331 TP4T of the total volume exported. Thailand followed, with 20.371 TP4T.

Other important markets were South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines, Singapore, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Smaller shipments were also destined for India, the Netherlands, South Africa, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.

Expanding the range of destinations reduces Kenya's dependence on a limited group of buyers and increases the sector's ability to cope with fluctuations in international demand.

The growth in exports also has a direct impact on rural communities. The crop has gained ground especially in arid areas of the country, where farmers face prolonged periods of drought and adverse weather conditions.

Research from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) indicates that nearly 90% of the national mung bean production is concentrated in the eastern region.

Counties such as Kitui, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, and Machakos remain among the main production hubs, with thousands of farmers depending on the crop as a source of income.

Mung bean offers advantages for these regions because it requires less water and relatively modest inputs. Its short growing cycle and drought resistance also make it a viable alternative for producers facing more unpredictable weather patterns.

The increase in exports, therefore, goes beyond the growth in shipments. This movement can contribute to raising family incomes, strengthening rural economies, and expanding the financial stability of communities vulnerable to crop failures caused by drought.

Although mung beans led the growth in Kenyan pulse exports, other legumes also showed significant performance in the first quarter of 2026.

According to data released by AFA, pigeon peas registered exports of 6,741.34 tons during the period, generating US$4.8 million in revenue. India remained the main market, responsible for more than 711 tons of the volume, equivalent to approximately 4,825 tons valued at US$3.5 million.

The United Arab Emirates came in second place, with imports exceeding 1,100 tons. Belgium and Cape Verde also appeared among the destinations for Kenyan pigeon peas.

Black-eyed peas, in turn, were exported in smaller volumes, but also generated foreign exchange. Kenya shipped 908 tons in the quarter and earned US$700,000.

According to data released by AFA, India accounted for the entire volume of cowpea exports, reinforcing the country's importance to Kenya's legume trade.

The performance of the different pulses indicates a growing presence of Kenyan agricultural products in the international market and an increased capacity to meet global quality standards.

To maintain the pace of expansion, the sector should continue investing in improved seed varieties, agronomic practices, efficient aggregation systems, and post-harvest management, as indicated in the material.

Expanding access to certified seeds, strengthening agricultural cooperatives, and investing in value-added processes can also boost Kenya's competitiveness and increase returns for producers.

With the global demand for nutritious, sustainable, and plant-based foods growing, mung beans are gaining ground as one of Kenya's most promising agricultural exports.

For farmers in semi-arid counties, the crop is no longer just a traditional food source, but is taking on an increasingly important role in generating income and creating opportunities for the country to integrate into international food chains.