Commonwealth Trade MSME Exporter Portal

馃嚢馃嚜 Kenya 路 Category 7 of 9

Trade agreements

Verified 路 6 May 2026

Kenya's exporters benefit from EAC, COMESA, AfCFTA, the EU-Kenya EPA and (through Dec 2026) AGOA, each requiring the right certificate of origin.

Overview

Kenya sits inside an unusually deep web of preferential trade arrangements, which is a major advantage for a small exporter choosing markets. Within the region, the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union and COMESA give duty-free or preferential access to neighbouring markets, and the continent-wide African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is progressively opening tariff lines across Africa. The EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) entered into force on 1 July 2024 and gives Kenyan goods duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union, Kenya's single most valuable destination for horticulture and flowers. Kenya also remains an AGOA beneficiary for duty-free access to the United States, extended by US legislation through December 2026 while a longer-term deal is negotiated. To actually capture these preferences you must present the correct proof of origin (EAC or COMESA certificate of origin, EUR.1 movement certificate for the EU, or the AfCFTA certificate) and meet each scheme's rules of origin. Confirm current tariff preferences for your HS code and destination on the ITC Market Access Map.

Key requirements

  1. 1

    EAC and COMESA preferences

    Goods meeting EAC or COMESA rules of origin move duty-free or at preferential rates within those blocs on presentation of the bloc certificate of origin.

  2. 2

    EU-Kenya EPA access

    The EPA gives duty-free, quota-free EU market access for Kenyan goods; shipments need a EUR.1 movement certificate or approved-exporter origin declaration.

  3. 3

    AfCFTA tariff utilisation

    AfCFTA opens preferential access across African markets under its own rules of origin and certificate; coverage expands as tariff schedules are implemented.

  4. 4

    AGOA / GSP eligibility

    Eligible goods enter the US duty-free under AGOA (extended through Dec 2026); UK and other GSP schemes offer further preferences under their own rules of origin.

Documents you will need

  • EAC certificate of origin
  • COMESA certificate of origin
  • EUR.1 movement certificate (EU-Kenya EPA)
  • AfCFTA certificate of origin
  • AGOA / GSP certificate or declaration where applicable
  • Supplier / manufacturer origin declaration