Kenya’s trade with UK crosses Ksh.340 billion for first time
The trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) has surpassed the Ksh.340 billion (£2 billion) mark as a result of higher exports between the two countries
The trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) has surpassed the Ksh.340 billion (£2 billion) mark as a result of higher exports between the two countries.
According to new data from the UK Department for Business and Trade released on October 31, 2025, the total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) for the year ending September 2025 exceeded the threshold, increasing by 11.9 per cent over the same period in 2024.
During the period, Kenya exported goods worth Ksh.63 billion (£371 million) and services worth Ksh.71.5 billion (£421 million) to the UK.
Of the goods exported, animal and vegetable products grew fastest by 15.6 percent to Ksh.28.7 billion (£169.2 million), followed by beverages, including coffee and tea, that rose by 12.8 percent to Ksh.24.3 billion (£143.3 million).
“This growth was driven by an 8 per cent increase in UK exports to Kenya and a 14 per cent rise in Kenyan exports to the UK,” the statement noted.
Similarly, the UK exported goods and services worth Ksh.134.6 billion (£792 million) to Kenya, compared to Ksh. 124 billion (£733 million) in the same period in 2024.
Mechanical power generators registered the highest growth at 18.3 percent, closely followed by refined oil and cars at 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
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Trade Principal Secretary (PS) Regina Ombam noted that sustained collaboration between the UK and Kenya would enhance trade opportunities, diversify exports, and strengthen economic resilience.
“We are propelling our export growth, targeting to increase the product range and market destination diversity, and the data we have seen is a testament to our collective efforts,” she said.
Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nairobi, Dr. Ed Barnett, said that the partnership, renewed for a second time in July this year, is a shared objective to drive economic growth, aiming to double current trade by the year 2030.
“The UK and Kenya are turbocharging trade. Our renewed Strategic Partnership is already delivering progress in a matter of months. To turn ambitions into reality, we’re working together to break down trade barriers. We go far when we go together,” he noted.
The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, and British companies are among the largest taxpayers in the country.
The British High Commission in Nairobi estimates that 150 British enterprises currently operate in Kenya, directly employing over 250,000 Kenyans.
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