Informal imports into Kenya, valued at Sh573 million in the year to June 2025, were heavily dominated by essential commodities like rice, sugar, and milk, driven by domestic shortages and strong demand.

• Rice (Sh63 million), sugar (Sh45 million), and milk (Sh37 million) constituted over a quarter of these uncaptured regional imports.
• The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) conducted a survey highlighting the role of informal trade in food security.
• These informal imports often bypass official channels, contributing to revenue loss for the government and market distortions, particularly affecting the sugar industry.