A discrete time analysis of export duration in Kenya: 1995 - 2014

Abstract

The scarcity of studies on export duration in Kenya provide the drive of this study. It looks at the determinants of export duration in Kenya in a discrete-time model. Using HS-6 digit export product-level data between Kenya and 203 partners two major results emerge. First, the median export period in Kenya is one year with only 36% of exports surviving past that period. Secondly, the main determinants of export survival in Kenya are: cost of infrastructure (liner shipping connectivity, air transportation network, cost of export and cost of starting a business), macroeconomic stability (GDP, exchange rates and financial inclusivity), improved governance, labour force, regional membership into East African Community, and membership to AGOA.