UK-Kenya trade reaches record high of Ksh.360B

The British High Commission on Thursday said that the sustained record level of trade reflects strong Kenyan exports to the UK, particularly the high demand for quality Kenyan tea, coffee, and horticultural products, which continue to grow. 

Increased UK export demand from Kenya includes refined petroleum, vehicles, machinery, and power generation equipment, supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development.

The announcement comes after the first-ever UK–Kenya Business Forum held in Nairobi on 22 January 2026, which brought together nearly 400 participants and over 200 businesses to strengthen bilateral economic collaboration.

Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Lee Kinyanjui said that the commendable performance is proof that Kenya's export promotion efforts are delivering real results. 

"Sustaining over £2.1 billion in trade for a second consecutive quarter underscores the growing confidence of UK businesses in Kenya as a trade and investment partner," he noted.

"The UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement continues to play a critical role in securing predictable market access for Kenyan exports into the UK."

On his part, UK Chargé d’Affaires Dr, Ed Barnett said that the achievement is a testament to strong ties between the UK and Kenya that benefits big and small businesses alike.

"I look forward to building on this momentum as we work together to remove barriers to trade – we're going far, together,” he said.

The forum generated practical outcomes to foster efficient trade among them accelerating technical discussions on a Digital Trade Agreement that seeks to liberalise the insurance market by removing local ownership requirements.

It also saw the signing of MoUs on skills development and strengthening agri-tech supply chains between British and Kenyan firms.

"Opportunities for green growth were also created as the Climate Finance Accelerator for Kenya was also launched," the statement noted.

Both governments continue to work directly with industry to deepen supply chain links to ease exports and investments, support Kenya’s reform agenda aimed at increasing competitiveness and unlocking investment opportunities and also enable partnerships between 150 British companies already operating in Kenya.

The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, and British companies are among the largest taxpayers in the country.