Kenya Launches Export Catalogue to Help Businesses Tap into EU Market

Story by Violet Kerubo

Kenya has launched a new export catalogue aimed at helping local manufacturers, farmers and entrepreneurs access the European Union market and expand the country’s export earnings under the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The Kenya-EU EPA Export Catalogue was developed through collaboration between the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), government ministries and agencies, and business membership organisations to connect Kenyan businesses with potential buyers across Europe.
Speaking during the launch, KAM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tobias Alando said the catalogue would help address information gaps that have hindered local businesses from fully exploiting international trade opportunities.

The initiative comes as Kenya seeks to increase its export earnings and strengthen the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in international markets.
The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force on July 1, 2024, provides Kenyan products with immediate duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union market, creating opportunities for manufacturers, exporters, farmers and entrepreneurs.
The EU market has a gross domestic product of more than €18.8 trillion and a consumer base exceeding 450 million people, offering Kenyan businesses an opportunity to diversify export destinations, attract investment and increase foreign exchange earnings.
According to Mr Alando at the launch, Kenya’s exports to Europe are valued at approximately $1.84 billion, making the EU an important destination for Kenyan products.
The catalogue features a wide range of Kenyan products across sectors including food and beverages, textiles and apparel, leather products, chemicals, furniture, building materials and electronics.
It is intended to help European buyers identify reliable Kenyan suppliers while enabling local businesses to showcase their products, establish partnerships and access new markets.
KAM noted that expanding exports would also support job creation, skills development, stronger supply chains and economic growth, with benefits extending to farmers, suppliers and communities involved in production.
The association further emphasised the need for local businesses to improve production processes, meet international quality standards and respond to evolving environmental, social and governance requirements to remain competitive.
Young entrepreneurs and social media users were also encouraged to promote locally manufactured products and showcase Kenya’s production capabilities to international audiences.
The CEO noted that increasing exports would require stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector, alongside improved access to market information and support for businesses seeking to meet international standards.
The catalogue was developed with support from the State Department for Industry, the State Department for Foreign Affairs, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and other business membership organisations, including KAM and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The launch marks another step in efforts to implement the Kenya-EU EPA and strengthen trade relations between Kenya and the European Union, while positioning local enterprises to benefit from expanded market access.