Top 5 products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year

Imports are a critical component of Kenya's economy, assisting with growth, industrialization, consumer requirements, and general national advancement.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top products Kenya exported the bought in its last fiscal year.
• This list is courtesy of the Economic Survey report by KNBS.
• Petroleum Products were the most imported products in 2024.

While exports generate foreign cash, imports allow the country's access to commodities, services, and technology that it may not produce effectively or in sufficient numbers.

Kenya's overall national expenditure was expected to rise by 12% to KSh 3,605.20 billion in the fiscal year 2024–2025.

Kenya depends on imports for a wide range of essentials that are either not produced locally or supplied in small amounts.

These include petroleum goods, equipment, medications, automobiles, and some foods. Access to these items is crucial for everyday living and economic activities throughout the country.

Kenya imports the raw materials, industrial equipment, and intermediate items required for local industry.

Construction, industry, and agriculture rely on imported steel, fertilizers, machinery, and electrical components.

These imports help industries function more effectively, innovate, and expand output to fulfill domestic and export demand.

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According to the Economic Survey report by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics, imports in Kenya increased by 3.6% to KSh2,706.3 billion.

The report also shows that exports in the East African country grew by 10.4% to KSh1,112.3 billion, showing a healthy balance between imports and exports.

However, during the period under review, Kenya’s GDP growth decreased to 4.7% from a revised rise of 5.7%.

“Nominal GDP: Rose to KSh 16,224.5 billion in 2024 from KSh 15,033.6 billion in 2023,” the report states.

With that said, here are the products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year as per the Economic Survey report.

Top 5 products Kenya bought the most in its last fiscal year

Rank	Country	Imports in 2024 (KSh in Billions)
1.	Petroleum Products	KSh552.4 billion
2.	Industrial Machinery	KSh312.9 billion
3.	Animal/ Veg. Fats & Oils	KSh139.2 billion
4.	Plastic Articles	KSh113.4 billion
5.	Iron & Steel	KSh101.8 billion

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