Kenya is poised to significantly boost exports to China following the implementation of a China zero-tariff policy on May 1. A high-level symposium was held in Nairobi to strategize for this new trade opportunity.

• Kenya aims to increase exports, particularly in agriculture and minerals.
• Key figures include Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan and officials from the State Department for Trade.
• The policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan products by reducing trade costs, aligning with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 2024 outcomes.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to integrate its iCMS and iTax systems from May 2026, automating the syncing of export declarations with Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to enhance compliance.

• Export values validated by customs will now be automatically prefilled in VAT returns, eliminating manual input.
• The integration involves the KRA to streamline compliance, reduce errors, and tighten oversight on zero-rated exports.
• This reform applies to exports within the Single Customs Territory, to foreign markets, and within Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), aiming to seal revenue leakages and improve transparency.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is planning to attract investors from the Middle East and Asia to enhance market resilience and broaden its foreign capital base.

• The NSE aims to reduce its existing reliance on investors from Europe, the UK, and the United States.
• NSE Chief Executive Frank Mwiti highlighted the strategy aims for global representation in foreign inflows amidst sensitive global markets.
• The exchange is also anticipating increased activity from institutional investors and state-owned firms planning to enter the market.

Kenya's avocado exports are projected to see significant growth by 2026, with an estimated increase of 7.4 percent, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Production is forecasted to rise by 4.8 percent to 727,000 tonnes in 2026.
• The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is optimistic due to increased acreage and improved quality controls.
• The sector is implementing stricter measures, including mandatory packhouse inspections and a ban on open trucks for transport, to ensure fruit maturity and quality standards following past disruptions.