Kenya and Italy are in talks to formalize an agreement that will eliminate double taxation for products and services traded between the two countries.
According to Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, this will attract investments into Kenya and result in creation of much needed job opportunities for the country’s young people.
“Kenyan authorities also need to have stable taxation policies so as to enable investors to make long-term plans when considering doing business here”, said Ambassador Natali. “This is a great concern for Italian businesses operating in Kenya”.
Ambassador Natali made the remarks during the 2nd edition of the Gambero Rosso Italian wine road show which was held at Shamba Village in Nairobi on Thursday 30th January 2025.
The event brough together wine importers, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs from across East Africa to sample award-winning wines presented by 44 producers drawn from 15 regions in Italy.
The attendees also took part in masterclasses facilitated by wine connoisseurs Giuseppe Carrus and Victoria Mulu-Munywoki.
According to the Italian envoy, imports of wine from Italy to Kenya have grown by 12% in the last year.
This is attributed to a growing appreciation for Italian wine among Kenyan consumers and efforts by Italian wine producers to increase their market share in the region.
“We noted that several new wineries began exporting their products to Kenya since the last edition of the Gambero Rosso roadshow in 2024 which is encouraging and an indicator of the growing market for Italian wines in East Africa,” said Mark Artivor, founder of Vinpodium who are the organizers of the international roadshow.
Italy is the 3rd largest exporter of wine to Kenya after France and South Africa with the market expected to generate Ksh. 11.6 billion in revenues in 2025.
“We are keen to leverage these international partnerships to promote experiences that showcase Kenya’s unique culinary offerings for travellers,” said Fiona Ngesa, Deputy Director of Business Development at the Kenya Tourism Board.
“Our ultimate goal is to attract more visitors to Kenya’s destinations not only to traditional attractions like the Coast but also to places like Leleshwa in the Rift Valley”.
Kenya Tourism Board Deputy Director for Business Development Fiona Ngesa with Gambero Rosso International Director Luigi Salerno.
