NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 – Kenya’s stationery market has grown to an estimated Sh66.6 billion, supported by demand from schools, businesses and offices despite the growing shift towards digital tools.
Research by 6W Research estimates the market at $514 million (Sh66.6 billion) in the 2025/26 financial year, up from $493 million (Sh63.8 billion) in 2024/25.
The market has grown steadily from $473.8 million (Sh61.4 billion) in 2022/23 to $488.5 million (Sh63.2 billion) in 2023/24.
The sector covers books, office stationery, pens, pencils and other paper products, with education remaining one of the biggest sources of demand.
6W Research attributed the growth partly to government initiatives aimed at increasing school enrolment, including Operation Come-to-School and the Primary Education Development Programme.
“These initiatives would increase the enrolment of students in primary and secondary schools which would propel the market of stationery in the forthcoming years,” the research firm said.
The continued demand comes even as schools, businesses and consumers increasingly adopt computers, smartphones and other digital tools.
For stationery businesses, the changing market is creating opportunities in areas such as corporate supplies, e-commerce and personalised products.
6W Research said environmentally friendly stationery, customised products and technology-enabled products such as smart notebooks and digital pens are also gaining interest.
However, the sector remains exposed to rising costs because a significant proportion of stationery products is imported.
Traders are therefore vulnerable to fluctuations in the shilling, shipping costs and disruptions in global supply chains.
Digitisation also poses a longer-term challenge as businesses and consumers move towards paperless workflows.
Despite the shift, continued spending by schools and commercial activity are expected to sustain demand for stationery products, keeping the sector relevant as Kenya’s economy becomes increasingly digital.
