KETRA Urges Agro-processors to use Trade Remedies Against Unfair Imports

By KETRA Communications Unitinstitutions,

The Kenya Trade Remedies Agency (KETRA) has called on agricultural producers and manufacturers to utilize trade remedy measures to shield domestic industries from unfair import trade practices.

Speaking at the Agricultural Expo 2026 on behalf of the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, KETRA’s Director of Trade Remedies Complaints Management, Mr. Erick Nabwana, said local industry players should report suspected dumping, subsidised imports, and sudden import surges promptly so that the Agency can investigate and take appropriate action where warranted.

"As the Competent Authority for investigating unfair import trade practices, KETRA's door is always open to local industries seeking redress. If you encounter sudden import surges or dumped products within your value chain, please do not hesitate to engage for prompt remedy action." Mr. Nabwana said.

The call comes as local producers continue facing mounting pressure from imported goods. Recently, in the sugar sector, stakeholders raised concerns about rising white sugar imports, which threaten to depress prices, local employment, and revenue.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, underscored the pivotal role of agriculture as the backbone of Kenya's growing economy. 

He said the sector contributes roughly one-third of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports the livelihoods of over 70 per cent of rural Kenyans.

“Agriculture remains a critical pillar of our economy and a key driver of inclusive growth, and transforming the sector must go beyond increasing production to embracing value addition,” Mudavadi said.

The Chief of Staff and the Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, who was also in attendance, underscored the importance of strengthening local production and ensuring that the country's agricultural potential translates into tangible economic opportunities for citizens.

“The future of our Agriculture will be determined by the quality of our research, the strength of our Institutions and the collective resilience to embrace Innovations Through technology." He said.

As Agricultural Industries move beyond primary production into processing, manufacturing and value addition, locally made products are increasingly competing with imports for a share of the Kenyan market. For businesses investing in local production, the challenge is not only finance and technology, but also competing in an environment where trade is fair and predictable. Where imports enter the market through unfair trade practices, they can undermine local investment, jobs and the growth of Kenya’s value chains, making KETRA’s role in ensuring a level playing field increasingly important.

The Agency also used the event to highlight that trade remedies are not reserved for large industrial manufacturers, but can also support emerging Agro-Processing Enterprises. 

As the country continues to promote value addition and industrialization, KETRA's role in maintaining a fair and competitive trading environment remains an important component of protecting and strengthening Kenya's productive/manufacturing sector.

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