NAIROBI, Kenya—Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises have been urged to take advantage of expanding international market opportunities as the country seeks to strengthen exports and reduce its widening trade deficit.
The call came during an SME Exporters Forum convened by NCBA in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, exporters, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss financing, market access and other challenges facing businesses seeking to expand beyond Kenya.
Kenya’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10 per cent in 2024 to surpass KSh1.1 trillion, but the country’s merchandise trade deficit widened to approximately KSh1.65 trillion in 2025, according to the KNBS Economic Survey 2026.
The contrasting figures have renewed attention on the need to expand Kenya’s export base, increase value addition and enable more local businesses to access regional and international markets.
New opportunities are emerging through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenya’s existing trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, as well as China’s decision to grant approximately 98.2 per cent zero-duty market access for eligible Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement.
However, participants at the forum said access to markets must be matched with adequate financing, working capital, foreign exchange solutions, trade knowledge and reliable market intelligence if Kenyan businesses are to compete effectively.
NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, said Kenya has products capable of competing in international markets but businesses require the capacity and support to take them beyond the country’s borders.
“Kenya does not lack products the world wants. Our task now is to ensure more Kenyan businesses have what they need to take those products to the world,” Njau said.
He said businesses need more than market access, noting that financing, trade expertise and partnerships would be critical in turning international opportunities into sustainable growth.
Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) Economic Intelligence Officer Kevin Oluoch said stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector would be necessary to unlock the country’s export potential.
“Kenya’s export ambitions will only be realised through strong partnerships between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector,” Oluoch said.
The forum also highlighted the importance of helping SMEs manage the financial risks associated with cross-border trade. NCBA showcased trade finance and global markets solutions covering working capital, transaction support, foreign exchange, hedging and market intelligence.
The bank said it will later this year host its annual China Market Linkage Programme, which will connect Kenyan businesses with potential buyers, suppliers and strategic partners in the Chinese market.
