This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Kenya is poised to benefit from the UK's exit from the European Union, with the country's industrialists and business moguls seeing huge opportunities in the shift.
According to a source, Brexit enables Kenya to break out of the EU's old-fashioned viewpoint on trade with Africa, which is based almost entirely on commodities, and explore more diversified relationships with African countries.
The EU's restrictive trade policies, which discourage industrialization by imposing tariffs on processed products, have limited Kenya's ability to manufacture and export higher-value goods. However, with the UK's departure from the EU, Kenya may be able to tap into a major beef-consuming market if it meets the safety standards set by the UK government.
Kenya is already a major trading partner in key areas, with 80% of its exports to the UK consisting of fresh vegetables and black tea. However, other industries, such as beef, are blocked by the EU's trade policies.
As the Brexit talks continue to unfold, Kenya's business leaders are optimistic about the country's prospects in the post-Brexit era.
