Kenya’s SMEs Export Ksh32 Billion Worth of Handicrafts in 2023

Kenya’s micro-enterprises exported Ksh32 billion worth of handicrafts in 2023—including beaded jewelry, sisal baskets, soapstone carvings, and leather goods—primarily to the U.S., EU, and Japan. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers attributes growth to e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Jumia Global, as well as trade missions to Frankfurt and New York. Over 500,000 artisans, mostly women in rural areas, are now linked to global value chains. The government’s SME Export Academy provided certification in fair trade and packaging standards. With AfCFTA, Kenya aims to double handicraft exports by 2027, promoting cultural heritage as an economic asset.