Medical instruments imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported medical instruments worth $85.0 million (4.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 17% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $72.6M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $75.8M | 4.3K t |
| 2021 | $73.1M | 16.7K t |
| 2020 | $62.4M | 3.6K t |
| 2019 | $66.0M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $61.6M | 7.4K t |
| 2017 | $48.2M | 5.1K t |
Where Kenya imports medical instruments from
The largest suppliers were China (33%), United States (10%), Germany (10%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+669% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $27.8M | 33% |
| United States | $8.1M | 9.6% |
| Germany | $8.1M | 9.6% |
| India | $7.5M | 8.8% |
| Netherlands | $6.2M | 7.4% |
| Japan | $4.4M | 5.2% |
| Switzerland | $2.5M | 3% |
| South Africa | $2.1M | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.1M | 2.5% |
| Austria | $1.6M | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 9018
| 9018.90 | Medical instruments (other) | 49% |
| 9018.39 | Catheters and cannulae | 15% |
| 9018.19 | Electrodiagnostic equipment | 9.3% |
| 9018.31 | Medical syringes | 6.5% |
| 9018.12 | Ultrasound machines | 6.3% |
| 9018.32 | Medical needles | 3.8% |
| 9018.13 | MRI machines | 3.7% |
| 9018.20 | UV and infrared therapy apparatus | 2.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9018.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.03 per kg, 46% below the world average of $37.39, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Medical instruments exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported medical instruments worth $20.6 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Somalia (15%), Ethiopia (9%), Tanzania (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 34%. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+847% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia | $3.2M | 15% |
| Ethiopia | $1.9M | 9.4% |
| Tanzania | $1.9M | 9.2% |
| Rwanda | $1.6M | 7.7% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 7.6% |
| Sudan | $1.2M | 5.9% |
| South Sudan | $1.1M | 5.2% |
| Uganda | $1.0M | 5% |
| Burundi | $733K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $638K | 3.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya medical instruments imports (HS 9018): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 9018: Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments.
Common questions
What is the value of medical instruments imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported medical instruments worth $85.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 80th of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical instruments to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($27.8 million), followed by the United States (10%) and Germany (10%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 81 supplier countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 669% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.03 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $37.39 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of medical instruments to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $48.2 million in 2017 to $85.0 million in 2024, an increase of 76%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $68.1 million a year.
Does Kenya also export medical instruments?
Yes. Kenya exported $20.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Somalia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $64.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical instruments?
The HS code for medical instruments is heading 9018. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 9018.90 (49% of the value) and 9018.39 (15%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Kenya. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World medical instruments trade: top importers and exporters
Medical instruments product types in Kenya
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