Ireland exports to Kenya increase to Sh10bn

The volume of trade between Kenya and Ireland has jumped by 40 per cent to Sh10 billion, driven by imports of heavy port machines and alcoholic drinks.

This is the biggest increase in percentage of imports to Kenya by any country recorded over the last two years.

But trade was heavily tilted towards Ireland with the European Union member country benefiting from imports of machines to build the new container terminal at the Port of Mombasa.

This included cranes and other machinery. The terminal has increased the port’s capacity by 50 per cent and was handed over to the sector authority this year.

Ireland is home to Guinness and Jameson Whisky brands, which are popular in Kenya.

According to Irish Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Vincent O’Neill, Kenyan exporters sold mostly agricultural products to the European Union member. These included tea, flowers, coffee and French beans.

“The ICT sector is the fastest-growing category of imports from Ireland to Kenya. But we want to help Kenya reverse the trade deficit it has with Ireland,” Mr O’Neill said.

The embassy has organised a tour of Ireland by a dozen Kenyan industrialists who will mainly visit agri-processing firms to explore opportunities.

According Ms Lucy Muchoki, the chairperson of the agribusiness committee at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, they will also take advantage of the tour to sign an MoU with their Irish counterparts.

“We want them to invest in dairy, beef industry and help expand farming of Irish potatoes,” Ms Muchoki, who has accompanied the Kenyans to the seven-day trip, said.

The team will be joined by Trade and Industry Principal Secretary Christopher Kiptoo for the Africa Ireland Economic forum in Dublin on Friday.

It also has representatives from Deputy President’s office, Kenya Investment Authority Managing Director Moses Ikiara and Kepsa officials.