Kenya’s export trade is regulated by several authorities with overlapping mandates depending on the commodity being exported. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) administers quality and standards compliance for exported goods, the Export Promotion Council (EPC) provides trade facilitation and export permits for certain commodities, and the Kenya Revenue Authority manages customs documentation and export duty collection. Exporters must understand and comply with the requirements of all applicable regulatory authorities before goods can lawfully leave Kenya.

The KEBS Export Standards Mark

The Kenya Bureau of Standards Act (Cap 496) requires that goods manufactured in Kenya for export comply with applicable Kenya Standards and, where required, with the importing country’s standards. KEBS administers the Export Quality Certification Programme through which manufacturers obtain the KEBS Export Standards Mark, certifying that their products meet required quality standards. Export quality certification is mandatory for certain product categories including foodstuffs, textiles, and industrial goods intended for markets that require standards compliance.

KEBS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC)

For imports into Kenya, KEBS operates a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme requiring that certain goods imported from listed countries obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before shipment to Kenya. Kenyan exporters to countries with similar import verification requirements must be aware of destination country requirements and engage KEBS or its appointed inspection bodies for certification.

Export Promotion Council (EPC) Role

The Export Promotion Council was established under the State Corporations Act to promote and facilitate Kenya’s export trade. EPC provides: export permit facilitation for goods requiring export permits under specific sector regulations; export market intelligence and trade promotion; liaison with importing country regulatory authorities; and certification services for certain export commodities. EPC works in coordination with KEBS, KRA, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and other regulatory bodies on export facilitation.

Sector-Specific Export Licences and Permits

Certain categories of goods require specific export licences or permits beyond standard customs documentation. Agricultural produce including fresh produce, flowers, and horticultural products requires phytosanitary certificates from KEPHIS confirming freedom from pests and diseases. Coffee exports are regulated by the Coffee Directorate under the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). Tea exports are regulated by the Tea Board of Kenya. Timber and forest products require Kenya Forest Service export permits. Wildlife products and specimens require CITES permits from the Kenya Wildlife Service. Minerals and natural resources require permits from the Mining Commissioner.

KRA Customs Export Documentation

All exports from Kenya must be declared to the KRA Customs and Border Control through the iCMS (Integrated Customs Management System). Required documentation includes: a customs export entry (declaring the nature, quantity, value, and destination of goods); commercial invoice; packing list; bill of lading or airway bill; certificate of origin (required by certain importing countries for tariff preference); and any sector-specific permits or certificates. Export duties, where applicable, must be paid before goods are released for export.

Export of Professional Services

Kenya is increasingly exporting professional services including legal, accounting, IT, and consulting services. Service exports do not require physical customs clearance but may require: professional service agreements compliant with the importing country’s laws; foreign exchange compliance under the CBK’s Foreign Exchange guidelines; and compliance with the importing country’s immigration requirements for service delivery personnel. The East African Community free trade framework facilitates professional services exports within the EAC region.

Our corporate and commercial practice advises exporters on trade documentation, sector-specific export permits, and EAC trade facilitation. For regulatory compliance across the export value chain, our team maps applicable requirements for specific commodity types. The Export Promotion Council provides trade facilitation services at the EPC website, and the KEBS Export Certification Programme is administered through the KEBS website.