Doing Business with Kenya

Kenya overview

Kenya has the largest GDP in southeast and central Africa, with a population of over 48 million. The country is currently a member of an intergovernmental organisation, the East African Community (EAC).

The country's strategic location makes it a hub for East Africa. Its deep-water port, skilled labour, macroeconomic stability and developed banking sector have allowed the country to become East Africa’s largest economy, and the sixth largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bilateral trade between the UK and Kenya totals over £1.4 billion, making the UK one of Kenya’s largest foreign investors. In 2021, UK exports to Kenya were valued at £384 million for goods and £416 million for services.

There are over 150 UK companies operating in Kenya including Barclays, British Airways, BAT, Standard Chartered, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, De La Rue, Finlays, G4S, Tullow Oil and BG Group.

There are numerous opportunities for UK businesses across many sectors in Kenya including agriculture, defence and security, energy, education and training, financial services, infrastructure and ICT.

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 with 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:

• this website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

• a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download 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