The proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between Kenya and the U.S. is a high priority for both countries to be finalized before 2025.
The Kenyan Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo, who leads the delegation, is in Washington, D.C., for a one-week meeting that commenced on February 6 and will run until the 10th.
This is the first face-to-face discussion within the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) framework promoted by President William Ruto’s government.
The much awaited trade negotiations with the United States of America are finally underway today, with the 1st round of in-person discussions running through to Friday in Washington, DC. The Kenyan delegation is led by the Trade PS @AlfredKOmbudo.
#🇰🇪IsOpenForBusiness pic.twitter.com/bcMaVtgzH7
— Trade Kenya (@Trade_Kenya) February 6, 2023
The Kenya-US STIP was initiated on July 14, 2022, with both states agreeing to increase their cooperation.
“The partnership aims to increase investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, benefit workers, consumers, and businesses, including Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and support African regional economic integrations,” Kenya’s Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria noted.
Always a pleasure to meet Kenyan President Ruto @StateHouseKenya to discuss enhancing our robust strategic partnership. Kenya remains a strong partner for the United States, and we look forward to continuing our work on shared goals in Africa and globally. pic.twitter.com/yafuL0T3ND
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 15, 2022
According to its Proposed Kenya – United States of America Free Trade Area Agreement Negotiation Principles, Objectives, And Scope, its specific objective is to ensure that there is no disruption of Kenya’s market access into the USA after AGOA expires on September 30, 2025.
