Trading Partner Portal: Kenya

Overview

Memorandum on the Designation of Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally
The White House, June 24, 2024

United States-Kenya Joint Leaders’ Statement
The White House, May 23, 2024

Kenya: President Ruto’s U.S. State Visit Marks Major Milestone and Investment Opportunity
allAfrica.com, May 16, 2024

Trade Overview

US - Kenya - California Flags The 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.

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

More Articles:

The Nairobi-Washington Vision
The White House, May 23, 2024