Trade Deal Signed for 10,000 Exports from retail in Nairobi

Kenya is set for a historic milestone in its agricultural sector as the country prepares to make its first large-scale entry into the United States retail market. This breakthrough follows high-level discussions between Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and a visiting delegation from the U.S. Africa Trade Desk (USATD), led by Chief Executive Officer Gavin van der Burgh. The engagement signals expanding trade cooperation between the two countries, with Kenya expected to supply a wide range of farm products to major U.S. retailers. The development adds momentum to the government’s broader push to secure premium export markets and improve earnings for Kenyan farmers.
During the meeting, CS Kagwe emphasized Kenya’s commitment to strengthening export systems to meet stringent U.S. standards. Key discussions centred on enhancing traceability, compliance, pest management, post-harvest handling, and value-addition strategies—all areas critical for unlocking access to high-value global markets. This follows President William Ruto’s BETA agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritizes market expansion and private-sector-driven growth. The USATD delegation held sessions with both government agencies and private-sector leaders in floriculture, coffee, macadamia, grains, livestock feed, and apparel supply chains, laying the groundwork for Kenya’s expanded presence in the international market.
The visiting delegation identified macadamia, premium roses, and Kenyan coffee as priority products expected to form the first wave of exports to U.S. retail shelves, including major outlets such as Walmart. Early wins are already visible: Nouvelle Blooms Ltd has secured a deal to supply over four million stems of Kenyan roses monthly and will ship Kenyan coffee directly to American buyers. Van der Burgh noted a strong appetite among U.S. retailers for Kenyan agricultural goods, citing Kenya’s reputation for quality and reliability. He added that the partnership aims to create quick short-term wins while establishing long-term export pipelines for farmers and agribusinesses.
With these agreements now taking shape, Kenya is positioning itself to strengthen its footprint in the global agricultural supply chain. The government expects the partnership to offer farmers more stable markets and higher prices, boosting rural incomes and supporting national economic growth. As technical teams refine export logistics and compliance measures, Kenya’s entry into the U.S. retail market could mark the beginning of a new era for the country’s agricultural exports—one that places Kenyan produce in premium global markets while elevating the livelihoods of millions of local producers.