Kenya Trading Partner Portal

Trading Partner Portal: Kenya

Overview

Trade Overview

US - Kenya - California FlagsThe Republic of Kenya is located on the eastern coast of Africa, bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

The population of Kenya totals 53 million people as of 2021, with the official languages of the country being English and Swahili; while many ethnic groups speak their mother tongues within their communities. Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy and is the largest economy in eastern and central Africa with a GDP of $110.3 billion in 2021. Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, serves as the major commercial hub. Kenya recently moved up 5 spots on the World Bank’s Doing Business Index, ranking 56th out of 190.

U.S.-Kenya Trade

In February 2020, the U.S. announced its intent to negotiate a trade agreement with Kenya. This would be the first agreement with a sub-Saharan African country.

(In USD Millions) – Source: trade.gov

Total U.S.-Kenya two way trade currently reached over $1.49 billion in 2022. The U.S. exported $600 million worth of goods to Kenya. Oil and gas made up the largest export category at $221 million. This was followed by transportation equipment at $91 million and chemicals at $82 million. Imports from Kenya into the U.S. totaled $893 million in 2022. Apparel and accessories made up the largest portion at $544 million of the total. The next largest imports were agricultural products, and minerals and ores. (International Trade Administration)

U.S. foreign direct investment into Kenya totaled $209 million in 2021, while Kenya FDI into the U.S. totaled $6 million (Bureau of Economic Analysis).

California-Kenya Trade

In 2022, California exported $23 million worth of goods to Kenya. Computers and electronic products made up the largest portion at $6 million. This was followed by transportation equipment at $6 million and chemicals at $2 million of the total.

In 2022, California imported $65 million worth of goods from Kenya, $38 million of which was made up agricultural products. This was followed by reimports, processed foods, and apparel and accessories.  (International Trade Administration)

Business Opportunities in Kenya
Export Opportunities for Kenya’s Goods and Services – October 2020

 

Trade Agreements

Trade Agreements

U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa
White House, August 2022FACT SHEETVital Partners, Shared Priorities: The Biden Administration’s Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy
U.S. Department of State, August 8, 2022U.S. Food Security Assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa
U.S. Department of State, August 8, 2022

Statement by President Biden on the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
White House, July 20, 2022

USTR Releases Summaries from U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations
U.S. Trade Representative, May 23, 2023

Biden Administration Launches U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
CalChamber, July 15, 2022

Statement by Ambassador Katherine Tai on the Launch of the United States-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
U.S. Trade Representative, July 14, 2022

United States and Kenya Announce the Launch of the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
U.S. Trade Representative, July 14, 2022

U.S. Chamber Releases In-Depth Analysis of Potential U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement
U.S. Chamber, April 28, 2021

REPORT: U.S.-Kenya Trade Negotiations: Implications for the Future of the U.S.-Africa Trade Relationship
U.S. Chamber, April 2021
VIDEO

The United States and Kenya: Strategic Partners
U.S. Department of State, April 27, 2021

The U.S. and Kenya Launch Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement: Will They Succeed?
US Chamber, July 29, 2020

Joint Statement Between the United States and Kenya on the Launch of Negotiations Towards a Free Trade Agreement
U.S. Trade Representative, July 8, 2020

United States – Kenya Negotiations: Summary of Specific Negotiating Objectives
U.S. Trade Representative, May 2020

U.S. Takes Next Step in Pursuit of Free Trade Agreement with Kenya
CalChamber, March 24, 2020

Trump Administration Notifies Congress of Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreement with Kenya
U.S. Trade Representative, March 17, 2020
Letter to Congress

President Trump Announces Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreement with Kenya
U.S. Trade Representative, February 6, 2020

FACT SHEET: U.S.-Kenya Trade and Investment Relationship

U.S. Chamber: ‘Fully Supports Pursuit of a Comprehensive, High-standard Trade Agreement with Kenya’
U.S. Chamber, February 6, 2020

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Key Country Contacts