Export Market in Kenya: How to Start & Best Products to Export (2026)
- BeyondForest
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
By the end of this section you will have learnt
1.)What Is the Export Market in Kenya
2.)How to Start an Export Business in Kenya
3.)Import and Export Procedures in Kenya
4.)Export Permits and Licenses Required
5.)Best Products to Export from Kenya
6.)Kenya Exports by Country
7.)Meat Export from Kenya to Dubai
8.)Agricultural Exports from Kenya
9.)Common Export Mistakes to Avoid
10.)How to Find Buyers and Export Partners
11.)Export Market in Kenya – FAQs
What Is the Export Market in Kenya
Land Size Is NOT the Barrier
Exporters don’t care how big your land is.They care about:
Quality
Consistency
Reliability
On-time delivery
Small farms can export — if they meet standards.
Image of a white bucket filled with fresh green beans by William Sila
The export market in Kenya refers to the system through which locally produced goods are sold to international buyers in countries such as the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Asia. It includes agricultural products, livestock, flowers, processed foods, and manufactured goods. Kenyan exporters must meet strict quality, safety, and documentation standards set by destination markets.
Image of People sorting green beans into blue crates by Cose Wambua
The export market is regulated by government agencies such as the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and KEBS. Exporting provides higher returns, stable demand, foreign exchange earnings, and employment across the agricultural value chain.
How to Start an Export Business in Kenya
Market Standards Are Different
EU/UK: GlobalG.A.P, GRASP, strict MRLs
Middle East: Traceability + phytosanitary
USA: Similar to EU standards
Each market has its own rules.
Starting an export business in Kenya begins with registering a legal business and obtaining a KRA PIN, tax compliance certificate, and business bank account. You must identify export products, source reliable suppliers or grow your own, and research target markets. Register with relevant authorities such as the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) for crops, KEPHIS for phytosanitary certification, and KEBS for quality standards. Secure export permits, prepare contracts, and organize logistics through clearing agents and freight forwarders. Finally, market your products to international buyers through trade fairs, online platforms, and exporter directories while maintaining strict quality and documentation standards.
Main Export Crops from Kenya
French beans, snow peas, chillies, passion fruits, mangoes, avocados, pineapples, herbs, Asian vegetables, macadamia, flowers, medicinal plants.
Import and Export Procedures in Kenya
GAP Is Mandatory
To join export markets, you must follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP):
Safe pesticide use (low residue)
Clean irrigation water
Full traceability records
Clean harvesting & packing
Worker hygiene & safety
No GAP = no export.
Import and export procedures in Kenya involve a regulated process to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with international trade laws. Exporters must register their business, obtain a KRA PIN, and create an account on the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (KenTrade). Products are inspected and certified by relevant agencies such as KEPHIS, KEBS, HCD, and the Veterinary Directorate. Exporters then apply for export permits, obtain phytosanitary or health certificates, and submit customs documents through iCMS. A licensed clearing agent processes cargo at ports or airports. Once cleared, goods are shipped to destination markets with all required documentation attached.
Export Permits and Licenses Required
Always Use a Written Contract
Never farm on verbal promises.Your contract must show:
Variety & quality specs
Delivery dates & volumes
Price per kg
Bonuses or penalties
Input support
To legally export goods from Kenya, businesses must obtain several permits and licenses depending on the product type and destination market. First, you need a registered business, KRA PIN, and tax compliance certificate. Agricultural exporters must register with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) and obtain phytosanitary certificates from KEPHIS. Food and processed goods require KEBS certification, while meat and animal products need approval from the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Exporters must also file customs declarations through KenTrade and iCMS. These permits ensure quality, safety, traceability, and compliance with international trade standards.
Best Products to Export from Kenya
You Need Capital
To meet export quality:
Certified seeds
Irrigation
Sprayers
Shade & crates
Sorting area
Once trusted, exporters may:
Give inputs on credit
Pay for certification
Send agronomists
Image of Lush green French bean plants in neat rows by Kate Wa Kori Agripreneur
The best export products include avocados, tea, coffee, cut flowers, macadamia nuts, mangoes, passion fruits, French beans, herbs, chillies, and pineapples. Kenya also exports meat, leather, and processed foods. These products are in constant demand in Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and Asia. Their high quality, competitive pricing, and year-round availability make Kenya a trusted sourcing destination worldwide.
Kenya Exports by Country
Kenya exports its products to many international markets, with Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America being the main destinations. The largest buyers include the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, United Arab Emirates, United States, China, and Saudi Arabia. Fresh produce, flowers, tea, coffee, and nuts dominate these trade routes. Strong air and sea links through Nairobi and Mombasa ports support fast delivery, making Kenya a reliable supplier to global markets.
Meat Export from Kenya to Dubai
Major Exporters in Kenya
Frigoken, VegPro, Evergreen, Kakuzi, Sunripe, FairTrade, Mula Exporters, East African Growers, Ojay Greene.
Meat export from Kenya to Dubai is a growing business opportunity driven by high demand for halal-certified and quality meat products. Exporters must source animals from approved farms and slaughter them in licensed abattoirs that meet international hygiene standards. All meat must be halal certified, inspected by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and issued with veterinary health certificates. Exporters must also comply with UAE import regulations, packaging, cold chain requirements, and customs documentation. With proper compliance, Kenya can supply fresh and frozen beef, goat, and lamb to Dubai’s expanding food market.
Agricultural Exports from Kenya
Agricultural exports are a major pillar of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and rural employment. Kenya exports fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, tea, coffee, flowers, and herbs to global markets. Key export crops include avocados, French beans, snow peas, mangoes, passion fruits, macadamia nuts, and cut flowers. These products are mainly shipped to the European Union, United Kingdom, Middle East, United States, and Asia.
Common Export Mistakes to Avoid
Many exporters fail due to poor documentation, ignoring quality standards, and relying on verbal agreements instead of written contracts. Other common mistakes include using uncertified inputs, missing delivery deadlines, underestimating logistics costs, and failing to understand market requirements. Lack of traceability, weak record-keeping, and poor communication with buyers can also lead to rejected shipments and financial losses.
How to Find Buyers and Export Partners
How Small Farmers Can Join
Option 1: Join a cooperative
Option 2: Work with aggregators
Option 3: Farm independently & approach exporters
Exporters can find buyers through agricultural trade fairs, export promotion events, online B2B platforms, and government exporter directories. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook farmer groups also connect producers to international buyers. Embassies, chambers of commerce, and industry associations provide trade contacts. Building a professional profile, sharing certifications, and following up consistently helps attract reliable export partners.
Export Market in Kenya – FAQs
What is the export market in Kenya?
The export market in Kenya refers to the sale of locally produced goods to international buyers. It includes agricultural products, livestock, manufactured goods, and services sold to countries such as the UAE, UK, EU, USA, and Asia.
How do I start an export business in Kenya?
You must register a business, obtain a KRA PIN, open a bank account, register with relevant authorities, and apply for export permits depending on the product you want to export.
What export permits are required in Kenya?
Common export permits include phytosanitary certificates, export licenses, KEBS certification, HCD registration (for crops), and customs documentation from KRA.
What are the best products to export from Kenya?
Top exports include avocados, tea, coffee, flowers, macadamia nuts, mangoes, herbs, chillies, meat, and processed foods.
Which countries import the most from Kenya?
Major markets include the UAE, UK, Netherlands, Germany, USA, China, and Middle Eastern countries.
How can I export meat from Kenya to Dubai?
You must use approved abattoirs, meet halal standards, obtain veterinary health certificates, and comply with UAE import requirements.
How long does it take to get export permits in Kenya?
It can take between 3 days to 3 weeks depending on the product, documentation, and inspection requirements.
Can small farmers join the export market?
Yes. Small farmers can join through cooperatives, exporters, or aggregators who help with certification and market access.
What is the biggest challenge in exporting from Kenya?
The biggest challenges are quality compliance, documentation, logistics costs, and meeting strict market standards.
Where can I find buyers for export?
Buyers can be found through trade fairs, exporter directories, embassies, online B2B platforms, and social media networks.
