Nairobi Exporters Expand Into East African Markets

A growing number of exporters based in Nairobi are increasingly targeting East African Community (EAC) markets, riding on both rising regional integration and surging intra‑EAC trade volumes. This trend was highlighted during the 25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi, where business leaders and policymakers emphasized the region’s newly strengthened trade ties.
One of the most notable shifts is Kenya’s export growth to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has emerged as the fastest‑growing EAC destination for Nairobi‑based manufacturers. According to recent data, Kenya’s exports to the DRC increased by over 56%, largely driven by sales of wheat flour and other processed goods. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) points out that nearly 43% of Kenya’s exports go to other EAC countries, with major exports including coffee, tea, and processed foods.
Despite this momentum, challenges persist: trade analysts note that Kenya’s exports to some EAC partners declined in 2024, with reduced shipments to Tanzania and Uganda raising concerns about tariff and non‑tariff barriers. To help firms better navigate regulatory requirements, certification bodies like SGS Kenya are offering a new EAC‑Ready certification, which helps exporters align with East African Standards (EAS) and ease access into regional markets.
Looking ahead, Nairobi’s export community remains cautiously optimistic. With Kenya’s National Export Development Strategy aiming to increase the share of manufactured goods to regional markets, more SMEs in Nairobi are expected to leverage both certification schemes and streamlined trade frameworks. If these efforts pay off, Nairobi could significantly deepen its role as a regional export hub, driving economic growth and fostering closer trade integration within East Africa.