China retained its position as Kenya’s biggest source of imports in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its lead by supplying about one-quarter of all goods entering the country.
The Asian economic giant stayed well ahead of the rest, with imports nearing the Sh200 billion level over the three-month period.
India followed closely and achieved a new milestone by becoming Kenya’s fastest-growing major supplier. For the first time in a first quarter, spending on imports from India surpassed Sh100 billion, confirming its status as the second-largest exporter to the East African nation.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also ranked among the leading trade partners. Imports from the United Arab Emirates stood close to Sh75 billion, while Saudi Arabia supplied goods worth about Sh50 billion.
Further down the ranking, Japan and the United States of America completed the top six import source markets, accounting for roughly Sh30 billion and Sh20 billion respectively.
Figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show a highly concentrated import market, with trade still led by major Asian and Middle Eastern economies.
The quarter’s performance points to Kenya’s evolving trade patterns and its growing dependence on established Eastern trade routes, especially as India expands its commercial presence in the region.