Kenya has achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of its first avocado shipment to China under a new zero-tariff agreement. This marks a crucial step in rebalancing trade relations between the two nations.

• 6.9 tonnes of Kenyan avocados were part of the initial shipment, arriving on Friday, May 8.
• The deal grants duty-free access to 98.2% of Kenyan exports, benefiting from the "Early Harvest Agreement" effective May 1.
• This policy shift is a critical lifeline for Kenyan farmers, particularly in the avocado industry, which previously faced import duties of 10% to 25% in China.

The Kenyan Shilling has maintained its stability against the U.S. Dollar, which has seen a decline for two consecutive weeks. Traders anticipate the shilling will remain steady in the coming days.

• The Kenyan Shilling closed the week at Ksh129.19, unchanged from April 30, according to the Central Bank of Kenya.
• Key figures involved include traders interviewed by Reuters and the Central Bank of Kenya.
• Despite expert optimism, Kenya faces fuel shortages attributed to a "technical and administrative hitch" ahead of a price review.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) is demanding an immediate resolution to ongoing fuel shortages across Kenya. The crisis is hindering transport operations and impacting the national economy just days before the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviews fuel prices on May 14, 2026.

• The association requires transparency on national fuel stocks and urgent measures to stabilize supply.
• KTA, representing transporters, warns that delays are stranding trucks, disrupting schedules, and damaging Kenya's reputation as a trade hub.
• The current situation contradicts earlier government assurances of sufficient fuel reserves, with many stations either dry, rationing, or experiencing long queues.