Despite efforts by Botswana and Kenya geared towards improving trade relations, volumes and value of trade between the two decreased to P5 million in 2015 from P7 million in 2010.
In 2010, Kenya exported commodities worth $0.53 million (P5.4 million) to Botswana, which rose to $1.6 million the following year and significantly drifted to a low of $0.46 million in 2012. The highest exports were realised in 2014 at a value of $8.34 million while in 2015 it stood at $4.51 million. Kenya’s imports from Botswana have been fluctuating over the years. In 2010, Kenya imported goods worth $0.29 million and $0.17 million the following year. In 2014, imports were valued at $0.12 million before rising to  $0.19 million in 2015.
Speaking during his state visit this week, President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta emphasised on the need for the two countries to work together and revive trade relations between themselves noting that Africans need to work collectively to be able to achieve prosperity of the people and continent as a whole. “I have realised that most of the African countries prefer to export their products outside the continent, but this must stop and we should as a continent start trading amongst ourselves,” saidKenyatta.
Botswana and Kenya held the first business forum in Gaborone two years ago that was aimed at improving trade relations between

the two nations. This week’s second forum was geared at deepening the already existing relations between the two countries.

According to the chairman of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kiprono Kittony the forum is important for business communities to leverage on, network and develop business relationships that will last for mutual benefit.
“I encourage Kenyan counterparts to explore Botswana market with a view to setting up business collaborations and filling the already existing market gap in several sectors in Botswana, as well as invite investors from Botswana to explore the available investment opportunities in Kenya,” said Kittony.
In addition, he sold Kenya as an investment destination noting that it has an conducive business environment and is a leading business hub in east and central Africa.
“Kenya is a gateway to EAC, COMESA and SADC tripartite trading bloc with a population of about 650 million,” he said. The main exports to Botswana from Kenya are medicaments, prepared additives for mineral oil, fruit juices, instruments and appliances, lighting fixtures and fittings while the main imports from Botswana include electrical apparatus, materials of rubber, perfumery, cosmetics, worn clothing, furniture, household electrical, television receivers and pottery.

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