China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and India remained Kenya’s leading sources of imports in March 2025, according to the latest Leading Economic Indicators Report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Imports from China rose sharply by KSh 9.8 billion to KSh 45.8 billion compared to March 2024, reaffirming the Asian giant’s position as Kenya’s top import partner. The UAE followed with KSh 36.2 billion in imports, while India supplied goods worth KSh 25.1 billion. Other key import sources included the United States, Japan, and South Africa.
Overall, Kenya’s total import bill increased from KSh 202.9 billion in February to KSh 215.1 billion in March. Non-food industrial supplies accounted for the largest share at 37.4 per cent, followed by fuel and lubricants at 20.4 per cent.
Meanwhile, some European nations recorded declines in export value to Kenya. The Netherlands saw the steepest drop, with imports falling from KSh 8.3 billion in March 2024 to KSh 1.2 billion in March 2025. Imports from the UK dropped slightly from KSh 2.9 billion to KSh 2.4 billion, while Germany’s value dipped marginally from KSh 3 billion to KSh 2.9 billion.
On the export front, Kenya’s total export value rose from KSh 93 billion in February to KSh 95.3 billion in March. Uganda and the United States were the top destinations, receiving Kenyan exports worth KSh 9.7 billion and KSh 6.8 billion respectively.
Food and beverages remained the dominant export category, making up 45.2 per cent of the total exports. Non-food industrial supplies accounted for 22.2 per cent, while machinery and other capital equipment contributed 2.4 per cent. Other key markets included the Netherlands (KSh 6.75 billion), Pakistan (KSh 6.4 billion), the United Kingdom (KSh 5.5 billion), and Tanzania (KSh 4.8 billion).
