Kenya’s Exports Climb to KSh302.5 Billion as KEPROBA Drives Regional Growth and Value Addition Push

By James Gitaka

The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) has concluded a two-day media and exporters’ engagement forum in Uasin Gishu County, unveiling fresh data that shows Kenya’s exports grew by 7.5 per cent in the July–September 2025 quarter even as the country’s trade deficit widened.

Speaking during the forum, KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana said the agency is strengthening collaboration with the media and county governments to position counties as competitive export and investment destinations.

“We are leveraging partnerships with the media and county governments to enhance Kenya’s global image while profiling counties as strategic investment and export hubs,” said Mukabana.

Exports Rise to KSh302.5 Billion

According to KEPROBA’s January 2026 trade performance report, compiled using data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya’s total exports rose to KSh302.5 billion in July–September 2025, up from KSh281.5 billion in the same period in 2024 — a KSh21.1 billion increase (7.5%).

However, imports grew at a nearly parallel rate from KSh670.8 billion to KSh720.4 billion, representing a KSh49.6 billion increase (7.4%). As a result, the merchandise trade deficit widened by KSh28.5 billion, reaching KSh417.8 billion in 2025 compared to KSh389.3 billion in 2024.

The report notes that although Kenya’s economy expanded by 5.0 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — supported by agriculture, transport, and financial services — the country remains heavily reliant on imported goods and industrial inputs.

Regional Markets Drive Growth

Uganda retained its position as Kenya’s top export destination, with exports surging by KSh17.33 billion (51.6%) to KSh50.9 billion. Other strong performers included:

• United Arab Emirates: +KSh5.53 billion (52.2%)

• Democratic Republic of Congo: +KSh5.70 billion (70.7%)

• Oman: +KSh9.26 billion (634.9%)

• Rwanda: +KSh3.27 billion (26.9%)

Mukabana said the strong performance in regional and Middle Eastern markets signals successful diversification efforts.

“Our growth in regional African markets and emerging Middle Eastern destinations demonstrates the impact of strategic market diversification and stronger trade corridors,” she noted.

However, exports to key Asian markets declined sharply, with India dropping by KSh4.01 billion (-49.1%), Pakistan by KSh2.67 billion (-13%), and South Sudan by KSh1.11 billion (-20.4%).

Shift Toward Value Addition

The export basket reflects a structural transition from traditional agricultural commodities to value-added and manufactured goods.

Top-performing export products included:

• Mineral fuels and oils: +KSh12.86 billion (37.1%)

• Machinery and mechanical appliances: +KSh3.20 billion (122.1%)

• Meat and edible meat offal: +KSh2.32 billion (63.9%)

• Vehicles and parts: +KSh1.93 billion (59.4%)

• Animal and vegetable fats and oils: +KSh2.02 billion (16.5%)

Horticulture remained the leading export category at KSh48.2 billion, while tea posted marginal growth to KSh44.8 billion.

Conversely, coffee exports declined sharply by KSh4.13 billion (-33.3%), attributed to global oversupply and depressed international prices.

Mukabana emphasized that product diversification and value addition are critical to insulating Kenya from global commodity shocks.

“Overreliance on a few traditional exports such as tea and coffee exposes the country to market volatility. We must scale value addition and encourage adoption of the ‘Made in Kenya’ mark to enhance competitiveness and global visibility,” she said.

Import Trends Signal Industrial Expansion

On the import side, growth was driven largely by capital-intensive sectors. Machinery and mechanical appliances imports rose by KSh41.5 billion (71.1%), while vehicles and iron and steel also recorded significant increases — suggesting expansion in infrastructure and industrial activity.

Imports from China and India remained dominant, while imports from Saudi Arabia and South Korea posted triple-digit growth rates.

Exporters Call for Market Intelligence

Exporters attending the forum welcomed KEPROBA’s outreach, citing improved visibility and expanded access to markets such as South Sudan and Tanzania. However, they called for enhanced market intelligence, stabilization measures for bulk tea farmers affected by price fluctuations, and targeted support to cushion exporters against currency and logistics challenges.

The July–September 2025 data underscores a transitional phase in Kenya’s trade structure — marked by stronger regional integration and emerging value-added sectors, but weighed down by a widening trade deficit and volatility in traditional agricultural exports.

As KEPROBA intensifies its branding and export promotion strategy, the key policy challenge remains converting export growth into sustained trade balance improvement.