US OVERTAKES UGANDA AS KENYA’S TOP EXPORT MARKET

The United States has overtaken Uganda as Kenya’s leading export destination over the five months to July 2026, marking a shift in the country’s export market.

Kenya exported goods worth about Sh63.59 billion to the US between March and July, compared with Sh60.54 billion exported to Uganda.

The increase in exports to the US has been supported by stronger demand for Kenyan products, including apparel and coffee, as trade ties between the two countries continue to grow.

However, Uganda remained marginally ahead when the January-to-July 2026 period is considered as a whole. Kenya exported goods worth about Sh76.68 billion to Uganda, compared with Sh76.22 billion to the US.

The figures therefore show that while the US has gained ground rapidly, Uganda remains Kenya’s leading export destination for the broader seven-month period.

The shift highlights the changing pattern of Kenya’s export trade and the growing importance of the US market to local producers and exporters.