Kenya has called on India to remove tariff and market-access barriers affecting Kenyan agricultural exports, as the two countries seek to address a significant trade imbalance and strengthen bilateral agricultural cooperation.
The call was made by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe during bilateral consultations with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, where he pushed for expanded market access for Kenyan products, including tea, coffee, avocados, seeds, moringa and raspberries. The discussions focused on strengthening agricultural trade ties and creating more opportunities for Kenyan farmers and exporters in the Indian market.
According to data published by the Dr. Adarsh Swaika , Indian exports to Kenya stood at approximately US$4.01 billion in 2025/26, compared with Kenyan exports to India of about US$290 million, highlighting the trade imbalance between the two countries.
Kagwe called for greater reciprocity in market access, noting that Kenya provides a substantial market for Indian machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods, while Kenyan agricultural products continue to face barriers in accessing India. Beyond trade, the Cabinet Secretary encouraged Indian companies to invest in Kenya’s agricultural sector through local manufacturing, agricultural machinery production, drone technology, digital agriculture and soil health solutions. He said deeper investment and technology partnerships could support skills development, technology transfer, value addition and job creation, while strengthening Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
The meeting also highlighted the need to strengthen existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Working Group on Agriculture, whose inaugural meeting was held in February 2026, to ensure commitments translate into tangible economic outcomes. India previously granted market access to Kenyan avocados, with the first consignment ceremonially dispatched to India in September 2023.
The consultations form part of Kenya’s broader efforts to expand international markets for its agricultural produce while attracting investment in local processing, manufacturing and agricultural technologies. Also present at the meeting were India’s Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Sushil Prasad, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.