Kenya’s SME Export Training Program Graduates 10,000 Businesses

The Kenya Trade Remedies Agency’s SME Export Academy has trained 10,000 micro-enterprises in international trade compliance, packaging, and e-commerce since late 2022. Graduates include artisans, coffee cooperatives, and beauty product makers from all 47 counties. Over 40% have secured export orders to the EU, U.S., and AfCFTA markets via platforms like Amazon Handmade and Jumia Global. The program, funded by the EU and KEPSA, offers certification in ISO, Fair Trade, and organic standards. The 2024/25 budget allocates Ksh3 billion to scale training to 50,000 SMEs. The initiative is a cornerstone of Kenya’s export diversification drive under the Bottom-Up Agenda.