According to the directive, which takes effect in seven days, affected countries will face tariffs ranging from 10% to 41%.
Kenya, however, has been placed in the lowest tariff band of 10%, a development government officials have welcomed as a sign of enduring trust and cooperation between Nairobi and Washington.
In a statement issued Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya remains committed to strengthening its economic partnership with the United States.
“Kenyan exports to the US will continue to attract a tariff of 10%, the lowest rate under the new policy. This reflects the strong and trusted trade relationship we have built over time,” the CS said.
The United States is a leading destination for Kenyan goods, especially in sectors such as horticulture, textiles, leather, coffee, tea, and nuts.
The CS noted that beyond trade, the US is also a key ally in areas such as digital innovation, tourism development, and regional security.
Kinyanjui said the government will continue to engage US authorities “constructively and strategically” to preserve and expand this relationship.
“We see this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to open, fair, and mutually beneficial trade. Kenya will continue to be a responsible and forward-looking partner,” he said.
The announcement comes as the global trade landscape undergoes significant shifts, with the US adopting a more assertive approach to trade reciprocity.
While some countries face steeper duties, Kenya’s position in the lowest tariff bracket is expected to give local exporters a continued competitive edge in the American market.
Kenya is also in ongoing talks with the US under the proposed Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), a framework that aims to institutionalize trade ties and create long-term certainty for businesses on both sides.
Officials say preparations are underway to support exporters in adapting to the new tariff regime while exploring opportunities to deepen US market penetrationfor Kenyan products.
