Kenya’s exports grow amid eased COVID-19 restrictions in destination markets

Kenya recorded a 15.6 percent increase in total exports for January-August period to 490 billion shillings (about 4.37 billion U.S. dollars) from some 3.78 billion dollars recorded during the same period in 2020, a government agency said in a report released on Tuesday.

Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) attributed the rise in export earnings to the country’s effort to decrease its dependence on volatile agricultural markets.

“The easing of COVID-19 restrictions in our export destination markets has also been a blessing,” said Wilfred Marube, CEO of the agency.

Marube said Kenya has attempted to diversify its exports.

According to statistics released by KEPROBA, key export products include horticulture, tea, apparel and clothing, coffee, mineral ores, petroleum oil products, animal and vegetable fats, machinery and parts, iron and steel products as well as pharmaceuticals.

Some of the top export markets for Kenyan products include Uganda, Britain, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Egypt.

Kenya is banking on the opportunities presented at the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The country is participating in the expo and is showcasing its best in tourism, trade, investments, culture, sports, among other key aspects.

Marube said the expo is Kenya’s gateway to grow exports not only to the Gulf region but to the rest of the world

Xinhua