Kenya has gained access to markets that represent nearly half of the global economy, according to Acting Director of External Trade Joseah Rotich. The achievement comes through a series of international and regional trade agreements, including the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Kenya–UK EPA, the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC).
Speaking in Nairobi during a two-day workshop for the National Implementation Committee (NIC) on the AfCFTA strategy, Rotich urged Kenyan producers and manufacturers to increase their output and diversify products to meet the demand of newly opened global markets.
“We now have access to these markets. What remains is to scale up our production and improve the range and quality of our exports,” Rotich said.
He described the AfCFTA as a critical agreement with the potential to industrialize the continent. He emphasized the importance of a strong and well-informed NIC to guide the strategy’s rollout. “This is the first implementation strategy tied directly to a trade agreement. It outlines how Kenya can tap into the African market. But the NIC must be fully equipped to implement it effectively,” he added.
Rotich pointed to agriculture, manufacturing, mining, livestock, oil and gas, and handicrafts as top export sectors. He also identified services such as ICT, logistics, education, business, sports, tourism, and culture as key areas of opportunity across Africa.
At the same forum, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) policy expert Miriam Bomett said that educating the NIC was necessary for meaningful progress.
“A fully informed NIC is critical. Members need a strong understanding of the strategy to make use of the continental market,” Bomett said.
She praised the government for securing access to new markets through the multiple trade deals. However, she noted that Kenya’s manufacturing sector, currently operating at 40–50% capacity, must be revived to take full advantage of AfCFTA.
“The agreement could help restore manufacturing to full strength, but it will require joint efforts,” she said.
Bomett also called for structural support, including consistent policies, removal of trade barriers, and prioritization of strategic markets. She confirmed that the private sector was working with the government to help Kenyan businesses succeed under the new trade pacts.
Kenya’s expanding trade access comes as energy consumption surges and new infrastructure like Lamu Port enhances regional logistics. With the groundwork laid, officials now turn their focus to execution and maximizing returns for Kenyan industries.
