Coffee, Tea Dominate as Kenya-UK Trade Hits Record Ksh340 Billion

Trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) has reached a historic milestone after surpassing the Ksh340 billion mark for the first time.

According to data released by the UK Department for Business and Trade on Friday, October 31, the total trade in goods and services between the two countries in the year ending September 2025 increased by 11.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

The growth was fueled by an 8 percent rise in UK exports to Kenya and a 14 percent surge in Kenyan exports to the UK.

During the review period, Kenya exported goods worth Ksh63 billion and services valued at Ksh71.5 billion to the UK.

Among the top-performing exports were animal and vegetable products, which rose by 15.6 percent to Ksh28.7 billion, and beverages, mainly coffee and tea, which climbed 12.8 percent to Ksh24.3 billion.

On the other hand, the UK exported goods and services worth Ksh134.6 billion to Kenya, up from Ksh124 billion in the previous year. 

Mechanical power generators recorded the highest growth at 18.3 percent, followed by refined oil and cars at 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Chargé d'Affaires at the British High Commission in Nairobi, Dr. Ed Barnett, said there is a target to double the current trade volume by 2030.

"The UK and Kenya are turbocharging trade. Our renewed Strategic Partnership is already delivering progress in a matter of months. To turn ambitions into reality, we're working together to break down trade barriers. We go far when we go together," he said.

On the other hand, State Department for Trade Principal Secretary, Regina Ombam, said the improved figures reflect a strong and expanding economic relationship between Kenya and the UK.

She noted that continued cooperation will open up new trade opportunities, expand export diversity, and strengthen economic resilience for both countries.

"We are propelling our export growth, targeting to increase the product range and market destination diversity, and the data we have seen is a testament to our collective efforts," she said.

Ombam added that Kenya has an opportunity to expand its export market by both deepening access to existing destinations and increasing its product range through value addition.

"We will also support this process by promoting and facilitating branding and export promotion of goods and services made in Kenya to access export markets," she added.

This comes months after President William Ruto and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030, set to unlock over Ksh427 billion in investments. 

In a statement on Tuesday, July 1, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the deal is rooted in four key pillars, including trade and investment, green growth and climate action, science and technology, and peace and security. 

Mohamed noted that the partnership aims to double bilateral trade by 2030, provide digital skills training to 2.5 million Kenyans, and enhance cooperation in regional stability, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and climate resilience.

To boost the science, technology, and innovation pillar, the UK will channel Ksh17.7 billion into Kenya’s innovation landscape, including lending support to over 500 Kenyan Start-Ups over the next five years

"This investment is expected to benefit more than 500 start-ups, support 5,000 digitally driven SMEs, and create 30,000 new digital jobs. The two nations have also committed to enhancing collaboration on artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to foster inclusive and sustainable digital growth," Mohamed stated.

The UK government also pledged to mobilize up to Ksh266.1 billion in new investments across Kenya, alongside facilitating Ksh32.3 billion in capital markets funding to spur development across strategic sectors by 2030.

The UK and Kenya committed to unlocking at least Ksh 35.5 billion in green financing from a mix of public, private, and blended sources, advancing Kenya’s clean energy agenda and climate resilience goals.

The two countries also agreed to deliver on high-value investment deals of mutual benefit to both economies over the next five years.

This includes Nairobi Railway City, worth up to Ksh26 billion and with potential for 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya.

At the same time, Kenya and the UK agreed to an additional six weekly Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and London, starting this week, to unlock the persistent cargo and passenger challenges.

In addition, the two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation between their security and defence agencies through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations.