NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has launched a 10-year implementation strategy for the Kenya-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), setting out a roadmap to help businesses, farmers, manufacturers and exporters maximise opportunities under the trade deal.
The Kenya-EU EPA Strategy is designed to provide a structured framework for implementing the agreement, which grants Kenyan exports duty-free and quota-free access to the 27-member European Union market while strengthening the country’s competitiveness and attracting investment.
Speaking during the launch on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the strategy demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a resilient, competitive and sustainable trading environment.
“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.
The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement came into force on July 1, 2024, making Kenya the first East African Community country to implement such a trade agreement with the European Union.
The EU remains Kenya’s largest export destination and second-largest trading partner, representing a market valued at approximately USD 21.2 trillion. According to the International Trade Centre, Kenya exported goods worth USD 1.85 billion to the EU in 2025, while imports from the bloc stood at approximately USD 1.74 billion.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the implementation strategy marks an important milestone in strengthening trade relations between Kenya and the EU.
“The launch of the implementation strategy is an important step in translating the agreement into tangible opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters. The EU remains committed to working closely with the Government of Kenya and the private sector to ensure that the EPA delivers inclusive growth and long-term benefits for both sides,” Geiger said.
Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam said the strategy aligns with Kenya’s national development priorities, including Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This strategy provides an effective roadmap for implementing the EPA, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth, expanding trade and advancing prosperity for our nation,” Ombam said.
Kenya’s leading exports to the European market include cut flowers, coffee, tea, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, oil seeds and other agricultural products, while imports from the EU mainly comprise machinery, pharmaceutical products, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, paper products and industrial inputs.
The implementation strategy identifies six priority areas to support effective execution of the agreement. These include;
- Strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary measures
- Improving standards and conformity assessment systems
- Enhancing customs and trade facilitation
- Expanding information and communication technology
- Promoting structured commodity trade, and
- Advancing trade and sustainable development.
The government says the strategy is expected to help Kenyan enterprises increase exports, improve compliance with European market standards, attract new investments and create jobs while deepening economic ties between Kenya and the European Union over the next decade.