Kenya has launched a 10-year implementation strategy for the Kenya-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), outlining how businesses, farmers, manufacturers and exporters can take advantage of duty-free and quota-free access to one of the world’s largest markets.
The roadmap is designed to guide the implementation of the trade agreement over the next decade, with the government aiming to boost exports, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen Kenya’s position in international trade.
Strategy to unlock export opportunities
Speaking during the launch, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the strategy reflects Kenya’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable trading environment capable of supporting businesses of all sizes.
He said the implementation framework will help local enterprises fully utilise opportunities created by the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The Kenya-EU EPA aims to secure existing markets while unlocking new opportunities for Kenyan enterprises, attracting investment and promoting job creation. This strategy therefore serves as a guiding framework to harness the full potential of the EPA,” Kinyanjui said.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger described the launch as a significant milestone in strengthening economic relations between Kenya and the EU.
She said the strategy would help translate the trade agreement into tangible opportunities for exporters and businesses while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“The implementation strategy is an important step in ensuring the EPA delivers long-term benefits for Kenyan businesses and exporters,” Geiger said.
Framework aligned with Kenya’s development agenda
Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam said the strategy aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to Ombam, the roadmap provides practical guidance for implementing the agreement while supporting sustainable economic growth and expanding international trade.
The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement officially came into force on July 1, 2024, granting Kenyan products duty-free and quota-free access to the 27-member European Union market.
The EU remains Kenya’s largest export destination and second-largest trading partner, representing a combined market valued at approximately USD 21.2 trillion. It accounts for about 21 per cent of Kenya’s annual exports.
Trade volumes continue to grow
According to the International Trade Centre, Kenya exported goods worth approximately USD 1.85 billion to the European Union in 2025, while imports from the bloc stood at about USD 1.74 billion.
Kenya’s major exports to Europe include cut flowers, live plants, tea, coffee, spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, oil seeds and edible oils.
In return, the country imports machinery, motor vehicles, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical products, paper products and industrial machinery from the EU.
Priority areas for implementation
The strategy identifies six priority areas that will guide implementation of the agreement over the next decade.
These include strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary standards, improving technical regulations and conformity assessment, enhancing customs and trade facilitation systems, expanding information and communication technology infrastructure, supporting structured commodity trade, and promoting sustainable trade practices.
Government officials say successful implementation of the roadmap will improve Kenya’s export competitiveness, expand market access for local products and strengthen long-term economic partnerships between Kenya and the European Union.
 Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), outlining how businesses, farmers, manufacturers and exporters can take advantage of duty-free and quota-free access){kind=link}