The government has launched a 10-year implementation strategy for the Kenya-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), outlining how the country intends to maximise the benefits of the trade pact.
In a statement on Thursday, July 9, the Ministry of Trade said the roadmap is designed to help businesses, farmers, manufacturers and exporters take advantage of duty-free and quota-free access to the 27-member EU market.
The strategy is expected to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness, expand exports and create new economic opportunities by enhancing trade with the European bloc.
Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. Photo: Courtesy.
Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the implementation plan underscores the government’s commitment to creating a resilient, competitive and sustainable trading environment that enables enterprises of all sizes to access the European market.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger described the strategy as a significant step toward deepening trade and economic cooperation between Kenya and the EU.
She noted that the implementation framework is expected to translate the agreement into practical opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters while supporting inclusive economic growth.
Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam said the strategy aligns with Kenya’s long-term development agenda, including Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
She added that the roadmap is intended to guide implementation of the EPA, promote sustainable economic growth, expand trade and enhance national prosperity.
According to the ministry, the Kenya-EU EPA officially came into force on July 1, granting Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to the EU, which is Kenya’s largest export destination and second-largest trading partner.
The EU represents a combined market valued at approximately USD 21.2 trillion and accounts for about 21 percent of Kenya’s annual exports.
Data from the International Trade Centre shows Kenya exported goods worth about USD 1.85 billion to the EU in 2025, while imports from the bloc were valued at approximately USD 1.74 billion.
Kenya’s main exports to the EU include cut flowers, live plants, tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, oil seeds, and animal and vegetable fats. In return, the country imports machinery, pharmaceutical products, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, paper and paper products.
The implementation strategy prioritises six key areas: sanitary and phytosanitary measures, standards and technical regulations, customs and trade facilitation, information and communication technology, structured commodity trade, and trade and sustainable development.
