The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kenya’s export earnings remained largely steady last year, despite mixed performance across different global markets, according to the 2026 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Africa continued to dominate as Kenya’s biggest export destination, with earnings from the continent rising by 6.4% to Sh452.8 billion. This growth was largely driven by stronger trade within the East African Community (EAC), which accounted for Sh351.2 billion.
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Uganda retained its position as Kenya’s largest single export market, with exports surging by 28.8% to Sh162.4 billion—making up 14.5% of total export earnings, which stood at Sh1.119 trillion.
Other African markets that boosted growth included Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa, which recorded notable increases. However, exports to Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Tanzania declined, partly offsetting regional gains—especially due to diplomatic tensions affecting trade with Sudan.
Exports to Asia dropped by 13.2% to Sh275.7 billion, with major declines recorded in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, China, India, and United Arab Emirates. The fall was linked to reduced exports of key commodities such as jet fuel, tea, titanium ores, and macadamia nuts.
In contrast, exports to Europe grew to Sh264.0 billion, supported by increased trade with countries like Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany, mainly driven by higher exports of coffee, oils, and nuts. However, earnings from Netherlands and the United Kingdom declined slightly.
Eastern Europe saw gains, particularly in Kazakhstan, where exports rose significantly due to increased tea shipments.
Meanwhile, exports to the Americas fell by 4.4% to Sh90.1 billion. The United States recorded a 10.3% drop, mainly due to reduced exports of apparel and industrial materials. However, exports to Canada surged by 82.3%, driven largely by increased coffee shipments.
