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

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 51.5 million people as of 2023, per the U.S. Department of Commerce 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 $113 billion in 2023. 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 $1.38 billion in 2023. The U.S. exported $485 million worth of goods to Kenya. Chemicals made up the largest export category at $162 million. This was followed by transportation equipment ($68 million), non-electrical machinery ($40 million), oil and gas ($38 million), and computer and electronic products ($36 million).

Imports from Kenya into the U.S. totaled $894 million in 2023. Apparel and accessories made up the largest portion at $472 million of the total. The next largest imports were chemicals ($209 million), agricultural products ($107 million), processed foods ($29 million), and goods returned ($26 million). (International Trade Administration)

California-Kenya Trade

In 2023, California exported $29 million worth of goods to Kenya. Transportation equipment made up the largest portion at $9 million. This was followed by computer and electronic products ($8 million), other special classification provisions ($4 million), non-electrical machinery ($2 million), and chemicals ($2 million).

In 2023, California imported $46 million worth of goods from Kenya, $16 million of which was made up agricultural products. This was followed by processed foods ($12 million), reimports ($7 million), apparel and accessories ($4 million) and chemicals ($2 million).  (International Trade Administration)

FDI – Kenya

U.S. foreign direct investment into Kenya totaled $205 million in 2023, while Kenya FDI into the U.S. totaled -$7 million (Bureau of Economic Analysis).

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

CalChamber Resources

• Kenya Consul in California
• International Trade FAQs
  • Obtaining a Certificate of Origin
  • Setting up a Business in California
  • Country Studies – Foreign Market Sources