Promote:
Export from Kenya
A short guide for companies selling from Kenya: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Kenya sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$8.62 billion
Merchandise exports reported by Kenya were US$8.62 billion in 2025, including re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Kenya exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exportsEstimate
Services exports were KSh 1,085,342.3 million in 2025, a provisional figure that covers services only.
Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Economic Survey 2026, Table 6.16 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Tea (HS 0902)US$1.45 billion
- 2. Petroleum oils (HS 2710)US$863.3 million
- 3. Cut flowers (HS 0603)US$799 million
- 4. Coffee (HS 0901)US$411.3 million
- 5. Avocados, mangoes and pineapples (HS 0804)US$211.7 million
- 6. Cement (HS 2523)US$170.9 million
- 7. Sheep and goat meat (HS 0204)US$161 million
- 8. Vegetable oils (HS 1515)US$157.6 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Medicines (HS 3004)US$135.3 million
- 10. Coated flat steel (HS 7210)US$122.9 million
- 11. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$115.2 million
- 12. Men's suits and trousers (HS 6203)US$114.8 million
- 13. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$108 million
- 14. Gold (HS 7108)US$107.9 million
- 15. Soap (HS 3401)US$102.7 million
- 16. Nuts (HS 0802)US$96.2 million
- 17. Live plants and cuttings (HS 0602)US$82.5 million
- 18. Potatoes (HS 0701)US$79.1 million
- 19. Sugar confectionery (HS 1704)US$79.1 million
- 20. Cigarettes (HS 2402)US$74.7 million
- Re-exports were 87.4 percent of the petroleum oils line (HS 2710) in 2025. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Kenya exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- Uganda14.5%
- United States7.1%
- United Arab Emirates7%
- Pakistan6.8%
- Netherlands6.2%
- Tanzania5.6%
- United Kingdom5.4%
- Rwanda3.9%
- Merchandise exports reported by Kenya include re-exports, which were 13.6 percent of the 2025 total. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Kenya exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks tea, cut flowers and coffee as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Kenya’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Kenya exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Vegetable oils grew 67% from 2024 to 2025; coffee grew 38% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Kenya exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
East African Community
Gives sellers a regional trade framework with its own origin and customs rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the partner state's conditions before you quote.
Source: East African Community, partner states page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Gives sellers COMESA origin rules and an electronic certificate of origin that Kenya implements.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the destination's conditions before you quote.
Source: Kenya News Agency, COMESA electronic certificate launch, October 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 3, 2025
African Continental Free Trade Area
Gives sellers a continental trade framework, and KRA issues AfCFTA certificates of origin.
Ratification alone does not set the tariff on a shipment. Confirm the importing country's schedule and origin rules.
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, AfCFTA certificate of origin FAQ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
Extends free trade arrangements across the COMESA, EAC and SADC states that have ratified it, Kenya among them.
Applies among ratifying states only. Tariff schedules and origin procedures were not confirmed here.
Source: SADC, Tripartite Free Trade Area entry into force, July 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 24, 2024
Show 4 more agreements
AGOA
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, runs to 2028 under Public Law 119-103, signed September 2, 2026.
Kenya is number 16 of 33 designated beneficiaries for 2026. As of October 30, 2026, check current United States duties and origin conditions for your product.
Source: Public Law 119-103, Section 2008, AGOA extension, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 2, 2026
European Union-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement
Opens the European Union market to Kenyan products under the agreement's origin and product rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product and origin conditions before you quote.
Source: European Commission, European Union-Kenya agreement page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement
Gives Kenyan goods duty-free, quota-free access to the United Kingdom market, according to the British High Commission.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product and origin conditions before you quote.
Source: British High Commission Nairobi, trade agreement entry into force, 2021 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 24, 2021
Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Kenya is not on the United Kingdom scheme's three tier lists, so sellers use the United Kingdom–Kenya agreement instead.
The scheme excludes countries that are not least developed and have a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Check the tier lists if that changes.
Source: GOV.UK, Developing Countries Trading Scheme preference tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Kenya
- Register the business or company before trading.Business Registration ServicePrivate limited company: KSh 10,650.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Business Registration Service, companies registry fee schedule (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Obtain the relevant tax PIN and tax registrations.Kenya Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, foreign investor PIN registration (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the product, destination and route, then obtain sector licenses and controlled-goods permits where required.KenTrade; relevant sector regulatorHorticultural export license: one financial year, July 1 to June 30; not a general license for all exports.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: KenTrade, horticultural crops export license procedure (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Register for and use the Trade Facilitation Platform where permits and approvals are submitted.Kenya Trade Network AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: KenTrade, InfoTradeKenya and Trade Facilitation Platform (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 9 more export steps
- Register with the KRA Rules of Origin office, then obtain the certificate of origin that the destination agreement requires.Kenya Revenue Authority; Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and IndustryOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, AfCFTA certificate of origin FAQ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Arrange the applicable standards and product conformity requirements before shipment.Kenya Bureau of Standards; destination regulatorOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Bureau of Standards, FAQ page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For plant goods, arrange KEPHIS inspection and phytosanitary certification against the importing country's requirements.Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate ServiceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: KEPHIS, phytosanitary services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Appoint a licensed customs clearing agent and give it the invoice, packing list, PIN, origin evidence and required permits.Kenya Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, importing and exporting page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Lodge the customs export entry with the exporter PIN and a valid eTIMS invoice reference.Kenya Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, iCMS and iTax export notice, April 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 23, 2026
- Complete customs inspection and release, and keep the certificate of export when the goods leave.Kenya Revenue AuthorityKRA says declared goods must be exported within 30 days of entry.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, importing and exporting page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Account for taxable service exports using the electronic invoices and the VAT return process.Kenya Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, iCMS and iTax export notice, April 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 23, 2026
- Check the income-tax treatment of cross-border services, because foreign payment alone does not establish exemption.Kenya Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, foreign income FAQ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Apply to KRA by letter, with the import documents, to export goods under drawback.Kenya Revenue AuthorityKRA lists the service as free, with a two-working-day target.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, service charter 2025/26 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with KEPROBA and KRA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion agency
KEPROBA
Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency
Helps companies get export market information, develop products and build export skills.
Visit KEPROBA (opens in a new tab)Source: KEPROBA, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
How to access: Export trade advisory
- Who can use it
- Existing exporters and businesses considering exporting.
Source: KEPROBA, export trade information services page (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
KNBS
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
Publishes official economic and international trade statistics.
Show 3 more organizations
- Get advice
Trade and investment risk insurer
ATIDI
African Trade & Investment Development Insurance
Multilateral body
Provides insurance against trade and investment risks for eligible African transactions.
Visit ATIDI (opens in a new tab)Source: ATIDI, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Regional trade bloc secretariat
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Secretariat
Regional body
Provides regional trade rules, origin information and trade-facilitation resources.
Visit COMESA (opens in a new tab)Source: Mauritius trade ministry, Mauritius Trade Easy, COMESA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Regional community secretariat
EAC
East African Community Secretariat
Regional body
Provides regional trade and investment information for the partner states.
Visit EAC (opens in a new tab)Source: East African Community, partner states page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
KRA
Kenya Revenue Authority
Handles customs export declarations, tax registration and tax compliance.
Visit KRA (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, importing and exporting page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Trade single window operator
KenTrade
Kenya Trade Network Agency
Operates the trade single window and publishes product-specific import and export procedures.
Visit KenTrade (opens in a new tab)Source: KenTrade, InfoTradeKenya and Trade Facilitation Platform (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Central bank
CBK
Central Bank of Kenya
Publishes foreign exchange reference information and explains the exchange-rate framework.
Visit CBK (opens in a new tab)Source: Central Bank of Kenya, forex page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
KEBS
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Helps manufacturers obtain standards information, testing and applicable product certification.
Visit KEBS (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya Bureau of Standards, FAQ page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Plant health inspectorate
KEPHIS
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
Inspects plant exports and issues phytosanitary certification.
Visit KEPHIS (opens in a new tab)Source: KEPHIS, phytosanitary services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 4 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Horticultural crops regulator
AFA HCD
Agriculture and Food Authority — Horticultural Crops Directorate
Licenses horticultural exporters and regulates horticultural production and handling.
Visit AFA HCD (opens in a new tab)Source: KenTrade, horticultural crops export license procedure (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Environmental regulator
NEMA
National Environment Management Authority
Administers environmental assessment and approval for projects where required.
Visit NEMA (opens in a new tab)Source: National Environment Management Authority, impact assessment page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Engineering profession regulator
EBK
Engineers Board of Kenya
Registers engineering professionals and regulates engineering practice in Kenya.
Visit EBK (opens in a new tab)Source: Engineers Board of Kenya, mandate page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
National accreditation body
KENAS
Kenya Accreditation Service
Accredits the testing, inspection and certification bodies.
Visit KENAS (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya Accreditation Service, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
KNCCI
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Provides business information, representation and certificates of origin.
Visit KNCCI (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, services, 2019 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 24, 2019
- Get advice
Manufacturers' association
KAM
Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Provides manufacturers with policy advocacy, market information and training.
Visit KAM (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya Association of Manufacturers, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Get advice
Fresh produce exporters' association
FPEAK
Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya
Represents horticultural growers and exporters and provides sector support.
Visit FPEAK (opens in a new tab)Source: Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Flower growers' association
Kenya Flower Council
Runs flower sustainability certification and represents growers and exporters.
Visit Kenya Flower Council (opens in a new tab)Source: Kenya Flower Council, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariff measures
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, runs to 2028 under Public Law 119-103, and Kenya is on the 2026 beneficiary list.
What to do: Check the duty that applies to your product and shipment date before you quote.
Sources: Public Law 119-103, Section 2008, AGOA extension, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, AGOA country eligibility notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States tariff actions
Kenya is not among the 60 economies named in the July 28, 2026 Section 301 notice, and the Section 122 surcharge was set to end on July 24, 2026.
What to do: Confirm the current United States duty on your product before you price.
Sources: Federal Register, Section 301 forced labor notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Proclamation 11012, Section 122 import surcharge, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Export declarations and VAT returns
From May 2026, KRA links validated export values in its customs system to the VAT return in iTax, using the exporter PIN and the eTIMS invoice number.
What to do: Capture the exporter PIN and a valid eTIMS invoice number on every export entry.
Source: Kenya Revenue Authority, iCMS and iTax export notice, April 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
The Central Bank of Kenya describes the exchange rate as market determined, with banks and foreign exchange bureaus setting their own rates.
What to do: Confirm the rate and the settlement currency with your bank on the contract date.
Source: Central Bank of Kenya, forex page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
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Public debt and arrears
The IMF reports public debt at 66 percent of GDP at the end of fiscal 2023/24, after a peak of 72 percent in 2022/23.
What to do: Check payment terms and the payment record of a public body before you sign a contract.
Sources: IMF, Kenya public debt data quality report, April 2026 (opens in a new tab); IMF, staff visit to Kenya press release, March 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Kenya project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Kenya is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of November 2, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.