The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) unveiled the 2026 Kenya-EU EPA Export Catalogue at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, aiming to link Kenyan producers with European importers and address the information gap that KAM says limits the country’s share of the EU market to about 10 per cent.
Tobias Alando, KAM chief executive, noted that Kenya exported goods worth roughly KSh264 billion to the European Union, a figure that represents only a fraction of the estimated opportunity.
Alando added that before the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) took effect on July 1, 2024, Kenya’s 2024 exports to the EU were valued at US$1.2 billion (KSh155.93 billion) and imports at US$1.9 billion (KSh246.89 billion), creating a merchandise trade deficit of US$700 million (KSh90.96 billion); another source cited exports of US$1.85 billion for the same year.
The catalogue lists export-ready products across sectors such as processed foods, fruit products, nuts, textiles, leather goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, building materials, furniture and electrical products, and also highlights professional services including information technology, telecommunications, engineering, financial services, education, healthcare, tourism and logistics.
Alando said the major challenge for Kenyan firms is the lack of market intelligence, explaining that “The European Union, has a population of about 449 million people across its 27-member states, and offers opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers, farmers and service providers seeking to expand beyond the domestic market,” and that “The major challenge that we’ve had with our people not accessing that market is information.”
He urged exporters to understand European product standards, giving the example that “If I want to export leather bags to Italy, what are the Italian standard requirements? Then you comply with those requirements.”
Alando set a target of capturing 40 to 50 per cent of the estimated market opportunity, saying this would help create jobs across agricultural and manufacturing value chains.
Michael Mandu, Secretary for Trade, said the government is committed to helping manufacturers benefit from the EPA and that the catalogue would assist businesses in identifying products with export potential and connecting with European buyers.
Hitesh Mediratta, chairman of the KAM board, warned that manufacturers must remain competitive and meet international standards to expand their presence in export markets.
Evans Maturu, director of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, representing Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei, described the Kenya-EU EPA as a key driver of trade and said the ministry is ready to support implementation by aligning diplomatic missions with Kenya’s trade priorities, strengthening market intelligence and assisting businesses entering the European market.
Erik Thomas Johnson, general manager at Danish Industries East Africa (Emerging Markets), said the catalogue could help manufacturers identify European buyers and diversify export markets, while Alando cautioned that preferential market access alone will not guarantee higher exports, citing manufacturing costs, infrastructure reliability and industrial productivity as influencing factors.
The catalogue also outlines strict EU requirements on product quality, food safety, traceability and customs procedures, including phytosanitary certification and good agricultural practices for agricultural exports, to ensure Kenyan goods meet market standards.
