State engages exporters to tackle trade barriers

Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (Keproba) is engaging exporters and stakeholders to address trade barriers and accelerate growth in Kenya’s export volumes.

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Chief executive officer Floice Mukabana convened a forum in Eldoret, bringing together manufacturers, exporters, government officials and industry players.

The meeting sought to identify regulatory, logistical and market access challenges and propose practical solutions.

Kenya’s exports grew by 10.4 per cent in 2024, reaching Sh1.1 trillion. The growth was driven by a 77.3 per cent surge in re-exports and a 2.9 per cent increase in domestic exports.

Mukabana emphasised that stronger communication between businesses and government, coupled with strategic branding of Kenyan products, is critical to sustaining growth and enhancing competitiveness.

The forum coincided with industrial transformation in Uasin Gishu county, including the near completion of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Moiben and the Export Processing Zone.

These initiatives are designed to link farmers to exporters, enhance value addition and meet global standards.

Plans for a Special Economic Zone aim to attract investors in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics and technology. The projects are expected to create jobs and boost exports.

Kenya’s top exports include tea, petroleum oils, cut flowers, coffee, fruits, medicaments, cement, meat, iron and steel, and palm oil.

Leading destinations are Uganda, UAE, USA, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Regionally, Africa remains the largest market, accounting for 38 per cent of total export earnings. Exports to Asia rose by 22.3 per cent, notably to UAE and India.

Mukabana highlighted the government’s strategic measures under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

These include promoting value-added exports, expanding market access and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Keproba has set a target of growing Kenya’s exports to Sh1.5 trillion by 2028.

The Exporters Roundtable forms part of preparations for the Annual Exporters Convention 2026. It provides a national platform to advance Kenya’s global trade ambitions.

Key stakeholders include the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, county governments, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Trade Network Agency, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, financial institutions such as Kenya Commercial Bank and DHL, the Agriculture and Food Authority and exporters from various sectors.

The initiative reflects Kenya’s strategic effort to integrate private-sector insights, strengthen value chains and position the country as a competitive player in global trade.

It seeks to address structural barriers while fostering industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.