Uganda remains Kenya’s top export destination with Sh40.89 billion shipments in 2025
Uganda has long been one of Kenya’s key trade partners, and the latest figures reaffirm the strength and continued significance of this economic relationship.
Kenya's domestic exports in 2025 continued to show growth, with Uganda maintaining its position as the country’s leading export destination.
According to data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), exports to Uganda rose to Sh40.89 billion, up from Sh38.56 billion in 2024.
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Uganda has consistently been a major trade partner for Kenya, and the latest figures confirm the ongoing importance of this relationship. The volume of goods exported reflects sustained economic ties and stable trade dynamics between the two countries.
Pakistan was the second-largest destination for Kenyan exports, with the total value standing at Sh26.86 billion. The Netherlands followed in third position, receiving Kenyan exports valued at Sh25.70 billion.
The United States remained an important market, with exports increasing to Sh24.61 billion.
The United Kingdom recorded trade worth Sh21.26 billion, while Tanzania received goods valued at Sh17.28 billion.
Year-on-year growth
The United Arab Emirates recorded the highest year-on-year growth among Kenya’s export markets. Exports to the UAE surged by 37.5 per cent to reach Sh22.90 billion.
This marks a significant increase from previous levels and represents the strongest growth trend in Kenya’s 2025 export data.
The increased exports to the UAE are attributed to improved trade relations, streamlined logistics, and rising demand for Kenyan products such as agricultural goods, manufactured items, and processed commodities.
Kenya’s overall export performance reflects its continued efforts to diversify trade partners and expand its market reach.
The country’s strategy includes building new economic relationships and strengthening existing ones across various regions.
This diversification has helped reduce overdependence on a few traditional markets.
Trade experts attribute the growth in exports to increased investment in agriculture and manufacturing, enhanced value-added production, and the implementation of strategic trade agreements with key partners.
Kenya’s focus on upgrading infrastructure and logistics systems has also enhanced its capacity to meet global market demands.
Data from KNBS further highlights the importance of maintaining and expanding trade with both neighbouring countries and international partners.
The steady rise in exports to countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America demonstrates Kenya’s ability to supply a wide range of goods to multiple regions.
The government has previously emphasised the need for Kenya to increase the competitiveness of its exports by focusing on quality, consistency, and innovation.
Policies aimed at promoting export growth have included support for local producers, tax incentives, and trade facilitation programs.
As global demand evolves and new markets emerge, Kenya is aligning itself with these shifts by enhancing product standards, forging new trade agreements, and strengthening key export sectors.
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