India emerges as key trading partner for Kenya, trade grows to USD 4.31 billion in FY25-26
Both the sides also discuss enhancing trade in agricultural products while addressing sanitary and phytosanitary barriers
India has emerged as one of Kenya’s key trading partners, with total trade between both the countries stood at USD 4.31 billion in 2025-26, reflecting an increase of 24.91 per cent from USD 3.45 billion in 2024-25.
The 10th session of the India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on April 27-28, 2026, in Nairobi, to review and strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, according to the statement issued by Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Agrawal and Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade, Republic of Kenya, Regina Akotah Ombam.
10th India–Kenya Joint Trade Committee Meeting Held in Nairobi to Strengthen Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation
India Emerges as Key Trading Partner for Kenya, Trade Grows to USD 4.31 Billion
Both sides acknowledged the potential for promoting trade settlement in local…
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 29, 2026
Both the sides discussed enhancing trade diversification, addressing market access issues and leveraging complementarities in sectors such as engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and electronics.
As per the statement, both countries reviewed progress on ongoing trade facilitation initiatives, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to promote cooperation in standardisation and conformity assessment.
An MoU was also signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Kenya Revenue Authority for an exchange of pre-arrival customs information, with emphasis on streamlining customs procedures and improving ease of doing business.
Another MoU was signed between the Confederation of Indian Industry and the India Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade, investment and industry collaboration on the sidelines of the JTC meeting.
In pharmaceuticals, India highlighted its role as a supplier of affordable generic medicines and medical devices and proposed enhanced business-to-business engagement.
Both the sides also discussed enhancing trade in agricultural products while addressing sanitary and phytosanitary barriers.
In renewable energy, India expressed readiness to support Kenya’s clean energy initiatives, including solar and wind projects.
The Kenyan side informed that it has conveyed its decision to sign the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement and looks forward to signing it at the earliest.
Discussions on digital public infrastructure covered collaboration on UPI-like payment systems, Bharat Connect and digital platforms to enhance financial inclusion.
