Kenya’s appetite for olive oil is growing rapidly, and Tunisia is emerging as a key supplier to meet the demand.
Once considered a niche product for expatriates and high-end hotels, olive oil has steadily made its way into Kenyan kitchens, restaurant menus, and supermarket shelves, driven by rising health awareness, urban lifestyles, and exposure to international cuisines, Kenya’s People Daily newspaper reported.
With local production minimal, Kenya relies almost entirely on imports. Traditionally, Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece dominated the market. But Tunisia is now making significant inroads.
According to the Tunisian embassy, Kenya imported 215.8 tons of Tunisian olive oil in 2025, making it the largest African market for Tunisian oil and the 11th largest globally, said the same source.
“Olive oil is a healthier option because it is rich in omega fats and fatty acids. That’s why it’s increasingly preferred in professional kitchens,” the newspaper quoted Ashish Ugal, group chef at Tribe Hotel as saying.
He highlighted Tunisia’s global reputation for quality, noting that imports are no longer confined to affluent households.
Retail availability has also expanded, with olive oil now found in major supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms, increasing accessibility for Kenyan consumers.
The shift is also reshaping trade dynamics. Abud Jamal, chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter, said Tunisia’s participation in regional trade frameworks such as COMESA has facilitated greater imports, strengthening commercial ties between the two nations, according to the same source.
“Kenya must ensure reciprocity. We have avocado oil, tea, coffee, and fresh produce that Tunisia also needs,” he added, emphasizing the potential for balanced trade.
The Tunisian embassy has actively promoted its products: in 2024, KNCCI hosted a delegation of 13 Tunisian businesses exploring the Kenyan market. Ambassador Anouar Ben Youssef noted during the second edition of Tunisian Olives and Olive Oil Day that the growing demand reflects deepening economic and cultural ties.
Tunisia offers a diverse range of oils from different regions, each with distinct terroir, traceability, and processing methods, appealing to both chefs and discerning consumers.
As a leading global exporter of organic olive oil, Tunisia is solidifying its place in the Kenyan market.
