Informal cross-border trade into Kenya, particularly for essential commodities, reached Sh573 million in the year to June 2025, driven by domestic shortages and strong demand.

• Rice, sugar, and milk accounted for over a quarter of these uncaptured imports.
• The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) conducted a survey revealing these figures, highlighting the role of informal trade in food security.
• Commodities like rice, sugar, and milk were imported informally to supplement local production deficits caused by factors like drought and production constraints.