Kenya, EU deepen trade ties as exports hit Ksh200 billion
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 6, 2025Kenya is strengthening its trade partnership with the European Union (EU) under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), as exports to the bloc continue to grow.
According to a post on X on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Trade Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo said Kenya’s exports to the EU rose to Ksh200 billion in 2024, driven by increased sales of horticulture, floriculture, tea, and coffee. He added that the EU remains one of Kenya’s most important markets, reflecting steady growth and stronger economic ties.
During his official working visit to Brussels, Kiptoo met Dora Correia, the Director for Africa at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Trade, to discuss the implementation of the EPA. The agreement provides duty- and quota-free access for Kenyan products to the EU market and aims to promote sustainable value chains, attract investment, and support green growth.
Kiptoo said Kenya intends to use the EPA to expand value addition in agricultural exports and strengthen trade facilitation systems.
“We are keen to leverage this Agreement to expand value addition and green manufacturing, strengthen trade facilitation and logistics systems, deepen cooperation on climate smart and digital trade, and foster joint ventures in agro processing, clean technology, and renewable energy,” he said.
Kenya eyes Europe’s herbal market
The move comes as Kenya broadens its export base beyond traditional products such as tea and coffee. The country is now targeting Europe’s growing herbal and spice market, which has seen rising demand for natural and sustainable products.
At a recent exhibition in Brussels, the Kenyan Embassy showcased locally grown herbs and spices, including dried ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, alongside the country’s famous coffee and tea. The Embassy said interest in Kenyan herbs and spices continues to grow across Europe, creating new opportunities under the EPA.
Kenya already leads Africa’s cut-flower exports, sending about 70 per cent of its blooms to the EU each year. Officials believe that expanding into herbs such as lemongrass, hibiscus, and moringa will help reduce dependence on traditional exports and boost farmer incomes.
The Embassy in Brussels is working with farmers and exporters to improve production, packaging, and quality control to meet EU standards. It also plans to support the branding of Kenyan herbs and spices as clean, traceable, and naturally grown products, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a reliable trade partner under the Kenya-EU EPA.