This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
Kenya is set to establish warehouses in Kigali, Bujumbura, and Lumbubashi to ease access to Kenyan products in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively.
According to Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency CEO Peter Biwott, logistical challenges have led to a decline in Kenyan exports to the East and Central African market, necessitating the new initiative.
The country aims to reduce its Ksh 1.14 trillion trade deficit through increased exports to the region, including Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Research by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency has identified Rwanda as a lucrative consumer market, with each household spending an average of 24,000 shillings monthly on clothing and shoes.
Kenyan edible oils are popular in Burundi, where consumers prioritize price over quality.
The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency is also conducting research in Mozambique and Tanzania to establish potential markets for Kenyan goods.
County governments have been advised to harmonize their levies to lower the cost of production of local goods destined for the East and Central African market.
