Trade between Kenya and the United States has shown an overall upward trend in value over the past few years, measured in billions of Kenyan shillings (Sh bn).
In 2020, the total trade was relatively modest, with exports at Sh43.378 and imports at Sh56.306. By 2024, the volume of trade had grown substantially, with exports reaching 88.86 Sh bn and imports skyrocketing to 155.64 Sh bn.
This significant growth in imports over exports has led to a widening trade deficit for Kenya.
The gap was particularly pronounced in 2024, when the trade deficit with the US widened by Sh66.78 billion.
This demonstrates that while economic engagement between the two nations is increasing, it's currently characterised by Kenya importing significantly more goods and services than it is exporting to the US market.
