Export Britain – Kenya Market Snapshot

Trade outlook

As a member of the integrated East African Community, Kenya’s external performance will also depend on the growth rate of East African countries, especially Uganda and Tanzania with whom Kenya has significant trade ties. These blocs are a key components of Kenya’s trade volumes. Agricultural productivity is central to Kenya’s export industry. More than 75% of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities, which contribute almost 25% to the national production. The country has subsistence petroleum production, which is consumed internally and exported to neighbouring countries. Kenya’s imports include machinery, transport equipments and motor vehicles. India and the UAE are the largest import partners for Kenya. Other major import partner countries are China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Japan and the US.

Opportunities for UK businesses

Kenya has a central role in East Africa as the largest economy and a gateway into the region. The economy is diversified and the financial sector strong, with deep and developed domestic debt markets. Opportunities for UK businesses exist largely in the services sector (tourism, banking, telecommunications, wholesale and retail trade, and business process outsourcing). Kenya envisages a massive upgrading and extension of the country’s infrastructure. In this regard, the country has highlighted a number of infrastructure projects that present significant opportunities for UK businesses in the coming years.

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Countries: Africa, East Africa, and Kenya
Export Action Plan