Background: This paper discusses the development of Kenya's trade policies have evolved through four major phases, namely, Import substitution period, The Period of SAPs and Export Promotion Schemes, The Period of Export Oriented Policies and Vision 2030&National Trade Policy.
Method: This study, being qualitative and analytical in nature, shall employ various descriptive, theoretical and where feasible, simple statistical analytical tools to explain the facts as borne out by available data. The study sought to make valid discussions by going through various literature related to Kenya's trade policies. The data used was secondary data mostly from various issues of Kenya's Economic Surveys. Based on the data, calculations were made and tabulated to show relevance of various indicators.
Results: Trade policies in Kenya have evolved through four distinct stages namely: 1) Import substitution period (1960s - 1980s), 2) The Period of SAPs and Export Promotion Schemes (1980s), 3) A Period of Export Oriented Policies (1990s) and 4) Vision 2030 and National Trade Policy (from 2004 to-date). Policies adopted in the 90s till now can be described as the way to go but not the only way if Kenya has to reach its potential as a global competitive and a prosperous nation by 2030. The new National Trade Policies which are drawn to help Kenya reach a higher potential internationally by 2030 are good. What is needed now is for the government to implement them and keep thinking of how to make them better in order to fit in the ever changing future.
Conclusion: This is a simplified study of trade policies in Kenya and will help those seeking information on this topic as well as various stake holders to make vital policy changes.