Kenya’s Exports Hit Ksh1.119 Trillion as KEPROBA Pushes for Expanded Global Market Access
Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana i yellow attire with other stakeholders pose for a photo at the event held at Safari Park.
Kenya’s exports grew by an average of 10.96 percent over the last five years to reach Ksh1.119 trillion in 2025, as the country intensifies efforts to expand global market access and strengthen export competitiveness.
Speaking during the fourth 2025/2026 Exporters’ Roundtable at Safari Park Hotel, Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana said Kenya’s export sector has remained resilient despite global geopolitical and economic challenges.
Mukabana said the forum was aimed at strengthening collaboration between exporters, government agencies, business support organizations, financial institutions, and logistics players to unlock new export opportunities and address challenges facing the sector.
She noted that Kenya’s leading exports include tea, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, textiles and apparel, coffee, animal and vegetable oils, meat products, iron and steel, and essential oils.
According to KEPROBA, Kenya’s top export destinations in 2025 were Uganda, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Egypt, collectively accounting for 62 percent of total exports. Africa remained Kenya’s largest export market, contributing 40 percent of export earnings.
Despite the growth, Mukabana said Kenya continues to face a significant trade deficit, with imports estimated at nearly 2.5 times the value of exports.
“To address the persistent trade deficit, we will continue working closely with both the public and private sectors to ensure Kenyan goods and services remain competitive, compliant, and attractive in target markets,” she said.
She highlighted recent government efforts to secure preferential market access, including the Early Harvest Agreement with China, which grants duty-free access for about 98.2 percent of tariff lines covering products such as tea, coffee, avocados, flowers, macadamia nuts, and blue economy products.
Mukabana said KEPROBA would support exporters through capacity building, certification, market readiness training, branding support, and linkages with Chinese buyers to help businesses tap into emerging opportunities.
She further cited opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying reduced trade barriers across Africa were opening new markets for Kenyan products in West and North Africa.
Reading a speech on behalf of Gatweni Susan, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, and Investment, Kiambu County Trade Development Officer Frederick Njoroge said counties play a critical role in supporting exporters and creating an enabling business environment.
Njoroge said Kiambu County has strong potential in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and small business development, adding that exports are vital in creating jobs, supporting local industries, and improving livelihoods.
He noted that the county government is working to improve trade services, support small and medium-sized enterprises, promote value addition, and encourage innovation among entrepreneurs.
Njoroge acknowledged that exporters continue to face challenges including high production costs, limited access to markets and financing, and difficulties in meeting international standards.
“There is need for continued collaboration between the national government, counties, the private sector, and KEPROBA to ensure more local businesses can access export opportunities,” he said.
He added that sectors such as horticulture, coffee, dairy, tourism, and manufacturing hold significant potential due to growing regional and international demand for Kenyan products.
Njoroge reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting trade, investment, and tourism as key drivers of economic growth before officially opening the forum.
