Twenty-one Kenyan enterprises are set to enter the German market under a programme aimed at converting market access into long-term business partnerships and boosting exports. The firms are participating in the first Kenyan cohort of the ‘Partnering in Business with Germany’ programme, which will involve training, business-to-business meetings and cooperation proposals with German companies in Mannheim from September 28 to October 16. This initiative is expected to help Kenyan businesses turn preferential EU market access into sustainable export opportunities.
The exporters were selected from more than 100 applicants and will undertake cluster-based training and B2B meetings with German firms. Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana challenged the exporters to take their products to international markets and build consumer trust. He noted that many innovations fail to reach commercial markets, citing a gap between products and markets.
Dr. Mukhwana emphasised the importance of market trust, posing a question to the exporters: “You can have a very good product, but does the market know the value? Does it trust the product that you have?” He encouraged the firms to bridge the gap between their products and the market. Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany Stella Mokaya Orina also urged the exporters to focus on building lasting relationships rather than pursuing immediate orders.
Ambassador Orina said the programme would showcase the quality and diversity of Kenyan products while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries. She encouraged the exporters to use their time in Germany to understand the market. The programme offers significant opportunities for Kenyan exporters, with exports rising from about $2–3 million in 2021 to $3.52 million in 2025.
Key exports from Kenya to Germany include coffee, tea, cut flowers, avocados and macadamia. State Department for Trade Principal Secretary Regina Obam highlighted the growth in exports, citing Germany as a crucial market for Kenyan products. Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) chief executive Floice Mukabana also emphasised the importance of strong business relationships in securing orders.
Mukabana noted that market access must be supported by strong business relationships, stating, “What turns access into orders is relationships.” The programme is expected to help Kenyan businesses establish sustainable export opportunities in the German market. The exporters will engage in business-to-business meetings and cooperation proposals with German companies.
The ‘Partnering in Business with Germany’ programme aims to convert market access into long-term business partnerships and boost exports. The initiative is a significant step towards increasing Kenya's exports to Germany and strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
Key points
- Twenty-one Kenyan enterprises are participating in the ‘Partnering in Business with Germany’ programme.
- The programme aims to convert market access into long-term business partnerships and boost exports.
- Kenyan exports to Germany have grown from $2-3 million in 2021 to $3.52 million in 2025.
