Kenya, which imports approximately 2 million tonnes of coal annually to meet industrial demand, heavily relies on three primary source countries, according to 2024 distribution data.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

Coal is a critical component for industrial applications like cement manufacturing, steel production, and ceramics.

The majority of Kenya's coal imports come from South Africa, which accounts for 40% of the total supply. Closely following is Tanzania, which supplies 38% of the imported coal.

Together, these two neighboring countries account for a significant 78% of Kenya's entire coal import volume. The remaining portion is supplied by Mozambique, contributing 22% of the total.

This concentration of sources within the Southern and East African regions underscores the regional dynamics of Kenya’s energy and industrial supply chain, as reported by the EPRA (Energy & Petroleum Statistics Report).