Nairobi, Kenya – The latest United Kingdom (UK) Government trade and investment data confirms that total UK–Kenya trade reached a record £2.1 billion (KES 360 billion) in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025, marking the highest level ever recorded between the two nations.
Strong Export Growth
The British High Commission attributed the sustained growth to robust Kenyan exports to the UK, particularly the rising demand for tea, coffee, and horticultural products. On the other side, UK exports to Kenya – including refined petroleum, vehicles, machinery, and power generation equipment – continue to support Kenya’s infrastructure development.
UK–Kenya Business Forum Outcomes
The announcement follows the first-ever UK–Kenya Business Forum, held in Nairobi on 22 January 2026, which brought together nearly 400 participants and over 200 businesses to strengthen bilateral economic collaboration.
Key outcomes included:
- Accelerating technical discussions on a Digital Trade Agreement aimed at liberalising Kenya’s insurance market by removing local ownership requirements.
- Signing of MoUs on skills development and strengthening agri-tech supply chains between British and Kenyan firms.
- Launch of the Climate Finance Accelerator for Kenya, creating opportunities for green growth.
Government Leaders React
Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui hailed the achievement as proof of the country’s successful export promotion strategy.
“Sustaining over £2.1 billion in trade for a second consecutive quarter underscores the growing confidence of UK businesses in Kenya as a trade and investment partner,” he said.
“The UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement continues to play a critical role in securing predictable market access for Kenyan exports into the UK.”
UK Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Ed Barnett echoed the sentiment, describing the milestone as a testament to strong bilateral ties.
“I look forward to building on this momentum as we work together to remove barriers to trade – we’re going far, together,” Barnett noted.
Deepening Economic Links
Both governments pledged to continue working directly with industry to:
- Strengthen supply chain links for smoother exports and investments.
- Support Kenya’s reform agenda aimed at boosting competitiveness and unlocking investment opportunities.
- Enable partnerships with the 150 British companies already operating in Kenya, many of which rank among the country’s largest taxpayers.
Conclusion
The record-breaking trade figures highlight the deepening economic relationship between Kenya and the UK. With new agreements on digital trade, agri-tech, and climate finance, both nations are positioning themselves for sustainable growth and stronger collaboration in the years ahead.
