Country overview
Kenya is now the 6th largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and home to 44 million people. It is the regional hub for trade and finance in Eastern Africa and the natural entry point to the region. The country has a market-based economy with a liberalised foreign trade policy. There are positive prospects of economic growth predicted despite the challenging global environment from 5.9% in 2016, 6% has been forecast for 2017 with the prospect of 6.1% by 2018, according to the World Bank. Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s key growth centres and is poised to become one of the fastest growing economies in East Africa, supported by lower energy costs and investment in infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing.
Kenya officially became a lower-middle-income country in 2014 following a GDP recalculation exercise. The World Bank’s 2017 ease of doing business report ranks Kenya 92nd out of 190 economies, while the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017 places Kenya at 96th out of 138.
Kenya has the largest gross domestic product (GDP) economy in Southeast and Central Africa. Sectors attracting investment include oil and gas exploration, energy, banking, real estate, retailing, consumer goods manufacturing, vehicle assembly, agriculture and tourism. Investors are attracted by Kenya’s relatively diverse economy and pro-market policies, brisk growth in consumer spending and the country’s central role in the East African Community (EAC).
About this guide
This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.
The main objective of this Doing Business in Kenya Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Kenya; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.
We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Kenya. Full contact details are available in this guide.
To help your business succeed in Kenya we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’: click here
The guide is available in 4 formats:
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this website
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a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store
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a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please click here)
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PDF download/e-flipbook (scroll down to see the download information below)
About IOE&IT
An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade
Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.
To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.
For more information visit: www.export.org.uk
Market Experts
Doing Business in Kenya Guide Market Experts - Please click on the logos below to view our Market Expert profiles and to find out how they can help you to succeed in Kenya!
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Recruitment |
Civil Engineering & Construction
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Insurance |
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Translation |
Risk Management / Security Services |
Case Study |
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Professional Business Services |
School / Education |
Law / Legal Services |
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Case Study |
Industrial Park / Property |
Corporate Lodging / Hospitality |
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Airline |
ICT Services / Technology Multi-Channel Services |
Office Solutions |
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Case Study |
Telecommunications Services |
Bank / Financial Services |
Latest News
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Policy paper: Strategic Trade Advisory Group (STAG): summary of discussions 6 June 2019
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News story: Joint Statement of the 13th Meeting of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee, 15 July 2019
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Guidance: Overseas Business Risk - Mauritius
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Guidance: Existing trade agreements if the UK leaves the EU with no deal
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Detailed guide: Signed UK trade agreements transitioned from the EU
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Guidance: Fair processing notice for the Selling Online Overseas service
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Guidance: Overseas Business Risk - Poland
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Press release: Summaries of consultations on future FTAs published
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Closed consultation: Trade with New Zealand
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Closed consultation: Trade with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
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Closed consultation: Trade with Australia
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Closed consultation: Trade with the US
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Official Statistics: great.gov.uk performance dashboard
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Official Statistics: DIT national survey of registered businesses’ exporting behaviours, attitudes and needs 2018
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News story: Liam Fox launches toolkit for MPs to help boost UK exports
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Guidance: Overseas Business Risk - Japan
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Guidance: Open general export licence (export after repair/replacement under warranty: military goods) from June 2019
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Guidance: Open general export licence (military goods: collaborative project typhoon) - from June 2019
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Guidance: Open general export licence (PCBs and components for military goods) - from June 2019
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Guidance: Open general export licence (technology for military goods) - from June 2019
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