INTRODUCTION
The Ministry has been in existence since independence as the Ministry of commerce and Industry.Over the years, the Ministry has separated,renamed and finally adopted the name the ministry of Trade in April 2008.

VISION
“To be a global leader in promoting trade, investment and private sector development.”

MISSION
“To facilitate trade and investment by championing an enabling environment for domestic and export business to thrive.”

MANDATE
The Ministry derives its mandate from the Presidential Circular No. 1/2008 dated 30th May 2008 on organization of the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The Ministry has been mandated to execute the following functions:-

•    Trade Development Policy
•    Promotion of Retail and Wholesale Markets
•    Development of Micro and Small Business
•    Fair trade Practices and Consumer Protection
•    Private Sector Development
•    International Trade Affairs – COMESA, WTO

The Ministry also executes some of its mandate through the following institutions and parastatals:-

•    Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT)
•    Business Premises Rent Tribunal (BPRT)
•    Export Promotion Council (EPC)
•    Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC)
•    Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)
•    Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC)

 Core Values

Values are an integral part of an organisation’s culture, and they create a sense of identity, belonging and purpose. Accordingly, the Ministry is guided by the following core values:

•    Communication: to ensure smooth information flow for both internal and external stakeholders.
•    Integrity and Transparency: to be accountable and devoid of corrupt practices in service delivery.
•    People centred and Customer satisfaction: to treat customers with courtesy and respect and delight in their satisfaction.
•    Commitment: to devote all our official time to our duties and undertake to deal with customers without unnecessary delays.
•    Team work: to encourage team spirit, collaboration and consultation as a way to maximise the synergy of working together for improved service delivery.
•    Innovativeness and creativity: to be open and proactive in seeking better and more efficient methods of service delivery

 Policy Priorities

The policy priorities are based on the two core pillars of the Ministry, which are Trade and Investment.

Trade Priorities

The Ministry’s trade priorities are as follows:-

•    Expanding and diversification of domestic and export trade
•    Finalising of the National Trade Policy
•    Enhancing support for trade facilitation
•    Promotion of e-trade
•    Expansion and strengthening of Public Private Partnership
•    Establishing a trade and investment information sharing system
•    Providing entrepreneurial skills for MSMEs
•    Supporting the improvement of business and investment climate
•    Formulating appropriate trade remedy regime
•    Developing an appropriate negotiating structure
•    Developing an integrated data base on trade in goods and services
•    Aggressively promoting trade in services

Investment priorities

The Ministry’s investment priorities are as follows:-

•    Improving the investment and business climate
•    Promoting and facilitating investment in the trade sector through ICDC and  EPZA
•    Enhancing support for MSME research and development
•    Facilitating access to venture capital