Kenya strengthens push for export growth and market access

The Government has announced plans to institutionalize quarterly exporters’ forums and establish a structured government- exporters network for the rapid identification and resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), in a major move aimed at accelerating Kenya’s export growth and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

Speaking at the inaugural Exporters’ Dinner organized by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said the initiative would provide exporters with a formal platform to engage Government, address market access challenges, and unlock emerging trade opportunities.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that while Kenya continues to enjoy preferential access to some of the world’s largest markets through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), East African Community (EAC), COMESA, the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, the Kenya-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement, AGOA, and the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, non-tariff barriers remain a significant impediment to export growth.

“The greatest challenge facing many of our exporters today is not tariffs, but non-tariff barriers. Addressing these challenges requires a genuine partnership between Government and the private sector. We will establish a structured mechanism for rapid identification, reporting, and resolution of trade barriers affecting Kenyan exports,” said Kinyanjui.

The announcement comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to narrow its trade deficit and increase export earnings through market diversification, value addition, and enhanced private sector participation in international trade.

According to the 2026 Economic Survey, Kenya’s economy grew by 4.6% in 2025, while exports increased marginally by 0.6 percent to reach KSh 1.119 trillion. Key export earners included tea, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, apparel, and coffee. However, imports rose to KSh 2.772 trillion, widening the trade deficit to KSh 1.653 trillion.

The Cabinet Secretary said the figures underscore the need for deliberate interventions to boost exports, particularly through value addition, improved logistics, compliance support, and market intelligence.

He challenged exporters to take advantage of the vast opportunities available under regional integration frameworks, particularly the AfCFTA, which presents access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers. Africa currently accounts for more than 40% of Kenya’s export earnings, making it the country’s largest export destination.

“Think of Africa not simply as a neighbouring market, but as a growth frontier. The opportunities within the EAC, COMESA and the wider African market are immense and largely untapped,” he said.

Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, underscored the Government's continued focus on strengthening Kenya's export ecosystem through targeted policy and institutional interventions.

"As a Government, we remain firmly committed to creating an enabling environment for exporters. We are working to improve trade facilitation, reduce the cost of doing business, strengthen quality infrastructure, support product diversification, and promote value addition across key sectors. These efforts are intended to ensure that Kenyan enterprises can compete effectively in international markets," said the Principal Secretary.

KEPROBA Board Chairman, Dennis Mwirigi emphasized the Agency’s strategic role in driving export growth through market intelligence, trade facilitation, business matchmaking, exporter capacity building, and promotion of the Made in Kenya brand.

He called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders across the export ecosystem to build on Kenya’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of quality products and services.

KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer, Floice Mukabana, said the inaugural Exporters’ Dinner brought together leading exporters from fourteen priority value chains, including tea, coffee, horticulture, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, leather, dairy, meat, blue economy, mining and minerals, and creative industries.

She noted that Kenyan products and services are currently exported to over 100 international markets, reflecting the growing global footprint of the Kenyan brand.

“While we celebrate the resilience and growth of our exports, we must address persistent challenges including logistics bottlenecks, evolving market compliance requirements, limited value addition, and overreliance on traditional markets. Stronger collaboration between Government and the private sector will be crucial in overcoming these barriers,” said Mukabana.

The Exporters’ Dinner provided an important platform for engagement between Government leaders, exporters, trade support institutions and development partners, with discussions focusing on market access, export competitiveness, value addition, and implementation of trade agreements.

The event reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to position Kenya as a leading export hub and a globally competitive trading