Kenyan exporters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are losing an estimated Sh7 billion annually due to fraud, poor documentation and substandard product quality, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has revealed.
KNCCI President Eric Rutto said a growing number of Kenyan exporters have been dragged into legal disputes in the UAE following fraud-related cases, prompting the chamber to step in and procure legal services to protect traders operating in the Gulf market.
Kenya’s exports to the UAE are currently valued at about Sh80 billion annually, with horticultural produce and livestock accounting for the bulk of shipments. The government and private sector have set a target to grow exports to the UAE by at least 10 per cent annually by leveraging bilateral trade agreements, expanding the product portfolio and improving quality standards.
However, Rutto noted that rising cases of fraud, coupled with quality and documentation challenges, continue to undermine these ambitions. He said Kenya loses an estimated Sh4,000 per goat exported, while at least three export containers are lost weekly due to quality and paperwork issues.
Additionally, about 30 per cent of exporters experience delayed or non-payment as a result of fraudulent dealings.
The KNCCI President made the remarks during the official launch of the chamber’s offices in Dubai, a move aimed at strengthening support for Kenyan exporters in the UAE. As part of the initiative, the chamber has also procured legal services from lawyers with in-depth knowledge of the UAE market to handle commercial disputes and safeguard Kenyan traders.
Rutto said the Dubai office will play a critical role in resolving disputes, improving compliance with market requirements, and enhancing the credibility of Kenyan products, ultimately helping exporters secure better returns in one of Kenya’s most important export destinations.
