Kenyan manufacturers eye Europe’s 450 million-consumer market.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) today launched the Kenya–EU Export Catalogue 2026 in partnership with the State Department for Trade, the State Department for Foreign Affairs and Danish Industries East Africa, providing a platform to showcase Kenyan products and connect local manufacturers, producers and exporters with buyers across the European Union (EU).
The catalogue covers sectors including food and beverages, textiles and apparel, leather products, chemicals, furniture, pharmaceuticals, building materials, and electrical products, over and above the traditional exports that include flowers, fresh produce, tea and coffee. It is intended to help European buyers identify Kenyan suppliers, explore sourcing opportunities and establish business relationships with local enterprises.
Representing the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Trade, Ms. Regina A. Ombam, Dr. Michael Mandu, Secretary at the State Department for Trade, challenged stakeholders to examine why Kenya is capturing only a fraction of the European Union’s import market and how the country can expand its share.
“If Kenya is currently capturing only 10% of the European Union’s import market on flowers alone, we must ask ourselves what it will take to unlock the remaining 90% of the opportunity. The EU is a vast market with significant potential for Kenyan products, yet preferential market access alone will not guarantee increased exports. We need a deliberate export strategy that identifies products with strong market potential, strengthens the competitiveness of local enterprises, promotes value addition and addresses the barriers that limit our access to international markets. The Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement provides a strong foundation, and the Export Catalogue is an important step towards connecting Kenyan businesses with European buyers. Our focus must now be on turning this access into tangible results through increased exports, stronger business partnerships and greater participation by Kenyan enterprises in the European market,” said Dr Mandu.
Representing the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Director Evans Maturu of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFA) noted that the Ministry is committed to supporting the implementation of the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), highlighting the role of Kenya’s diplomatic missions in promoting trade, regional integration and access to international markets.
“The Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement is one of Kenya’s newest and most ambitious trade agreements, presenting significant opportunities to deepen our trade relations with the European Union and strengthen regional economic integration. However, the EU is a highly stringent market, and our businesses must be adequately prepared to meet its standards and requirements. As the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, we are more than ready to support the implementation of this agreement. We are aligning the work of our diplomatic missions with Kenya’s trade priorities and agreements such as the EPA, while strengthening market intelligence and support for businesses seeking to enter and expand within the European market. Our trade attachés and diplomatic representatives in these markets play an important role in identifying opportunities, providing market insights and connecting Kenyan enterprises with potential buyers and partners. Through this support, we aim to help translate the agreement’s provisions into tangible trade opportunities for Kenyan businesses,” said Mr. Maturu.
KAM Board Chairperson Hitesh Mediratta highlighted the European Union’s position as a significant market for Kenyan manufacturers, noting that its 27 member states and more than 450 million consumers offer considerable opportunities for export growth.
“Kenya is well positioned to strengthen its participation in global value chains and become a preferred sourcing destination for European buyers seeking reliable and diversified supply chains. However, market access alone is not enough. To translate this opportunity into increased exports, Kenya must address the structural barriers that continue to undermine the competitiveness of its manufacturers. These include the high cost of production, expensive and unreliable energy, transport and logistics inefficiencies, complex regulatory processes and the cost of meeting international standards. Addressing these challenges will make it easier for Kenyan businesses to produce competitively, meet European market requirements and fulfil orders consistently. At KAM, we work with government and development partners to advocate for policies that strengthen manufacturers’ competitiveness and help businesses navigate EU market requirements through market intelligence, internationally recognised certifications and capacity-building support. Through business linkages, training programmes and trade missions, we are connecting Kenyan manufacturers with buyers and investors while working to ensure that the opportunities presented by the Kenya–EU EPA translate into increased exports, investment and industrial growth,” said Mr. Mediratta.
Mr. Erik Thomas Johnson, General Manager, Danish Industries East Africa Emerging Markets, highlighted the importance of strengthening commercial relationships between Kenyan businesses and European buyers, noting that visibility of local products and supplier capabilities is an important step towards creating new sourcing opportunities.
“The Kenya–EU Export Catalogue provides a platform for European buyers to discover the breadth of products and capabilities available in Kenya. Stronger connections between businesses are essential to building reliable supply chains, diversifying sourcing options and creating long-term commercial partnerships. By bringing Kenyan suppliers closer to potential buyers, we can open new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration, while supporting Kenyan enterprises to expand their presence in the European market,” said Mr Johnson.
The Kenya–EU Export Catalogue 2026 seeks to help Kenyan manufacturers, producers and exporters tap into the European Union market, which comprises 27 member states, more than 450 mil