Africa contributes over 40pc of Kenya's export earnings in new trade shift

Kenya's exports to Africa reached 41.7% of total merchandise exports in Q1 2026, up from 36.9% a year earlier, driven by 25.1% growth in African shipments and recovery across major regional markets including Uganda, DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda and Egypt. The continent now accounts for nearly 90% of Kenya's new export earnings, widening its trade surplus with Africa to a record Sh56.47 billion.