Kenya is targeting to increase its bilateral trade with the European Union focusing on key sectors with potential to unlock more investments and create sustainable jobs.
Speaking when he met heads of European Union Delegations serving across Africa in Nairobi, President William Ruto called for addressing of barriers to trade between Kenya and EU in order to achieve full potential.
Kenya exports to the EU which are mainly agricultural products, have been sustained by the European Economic Partnership Agreement which came into force in July 1, 2024 and allows duty-free, quota-free market access to the EU.
“The EU is Kenya’s largest export market, accounting for 21% of our global exports, including agricultural products, particularly tea, coffee, horticultural products, and cut flowers that sustain hundreds of thousands of livelihoods. The Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since July 2024, and its 10-year implementation strategy launched this July, must translate market access into tangible economic benefits,” said Ruto.
Official data indicate that last year, exports to the EU amounted to Ksh 166.8 billion which is an increase from 156.9 billion recorded in 2024. On the other hand, imports from the EU rose to Ksh 237.3 billion from Ksh 249.7 billion.
While acknowledging the impact of the agreement, President Ruto called on the two sides to address issues affecting trade.
