Trade relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom have reached an all-time high, exceeding Sh340 billion (£2.1 billion) in the year ending September 2025, according to the UK Department for Business and Trade.
The figures, released on October 31, 2025, show an 11.9 percent growth compared to the same period in 2024, marking the highest level of bilateral trade in history.
The report highlights that the surge was driven by a notable increase in both exports and imports. UK shipments to Kenya rose by eight percent, while Kenya’s exports to the UK expanded by 14 percent.
During this period, Kenya exported goods valued at Sh63 billion (£371 million) and services worth Sh71.5 billion (£421 million) to the UK.
Agricultural and food products led the growth on the Kenyan side, rising 15.6 percent to Sh28.7 billion (£169.2 million). Beverages, including tea and coffee, also performed strongly, increasing 12.8 percent to Sh24.3 billion (£143.3 million).
Meanwhile, UK exports to Kenya climbed to Sh134.6 billion (£792 million) from Sh124 billion (£733 million) in 2024. Among the top-performing sectors were mechanical power generators, which grew 18.3 percent, followed by refined oil at 12 percent and motor vehicles at 10 percent.
Ed Barnett, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nairobi, described the results as evidence of the growing strength of the Kenya–UK partnership.
“The UK and Kenya are turbocharging trade. Our renewed Strategic Partnership is already delivering progress in a matter of months,” he said.
Barnett added that both nations are committed to removing trade barriers and creating new opportunities.
“To turn ambitions into reality, we’re working together to break down trade barriers. We go far when we go together,” he said, noting that the partnership renewed in July 2025 seeks to double trade between the two countries by 2030.
Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Trade, called the figures proof of a flourishing economic relationship that continues to unlock opportunities for businesses and investors.
“The improved statistics reaffirm a robust and expanding economic partnership between Kenya and the UK, which has facilitated trade flows between the two countries,” she said.
Ombam highlighted that ongoing collaboration between both governments will diversify exports, increase market reach, and strengthen economic resilience.
“We are propelling our export growth, targeting to increase the product range and market destination diversity, and the data we have seen is a testament to our collective efforts,” she added.
She also emphasised the ministry’s priority to expand market access and enhance value addition while promoting Kenyan goods and services internationally.
The UK remains one of Kenya’s largest foreign investors, with over 150 British companies operating in the country, employing more than 250,000 Kenyans.
The partnership between Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and the British High Commission continues to be a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
Barnett reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development objectives. “At the core of this partnership is a shared objective to drive economic growth and prosperity for both nations,” he said.
