Kenya, U.S. Advance Talks on New Bilateral Trade Framework in Washington, D.C.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue consultations in the coming months as they work toward a new chapter in Kenya–U.S. trade relations.
The meeting marked another step in Kenya's push to secure predictable, long-term access to the U.S. market, while attracting American investors into priority sectors at home. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenya has strengthened its economic partnership with the United States following high-level negotiations in Washington, D.C., where Kenyan officials met with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The meeting was geared toward laying the foundation for a new bilateral trade arrangement intended to improve market access, spur more industrial growth, and ensure a more stable investment environment between the two nations.
Officials who were present in the discussions say both delegations agreed that there is a need for a structured framework that will guide future trade cooperation and unleash further opportunities for Kenyan exporters and American investors. The proposed framework aims to replace uncertainty with a predictable set of rules that would promote long-term commercial engagement.
The talks highlighted a number of priority sectors that are expected to play a central role in the next wave of economic cooperation. These include the apparel and textile industries, agriculture, leather and footwear manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and chemical production, and ICT and digital services. Kenyan representatives said these industries have great potential for job creation, increased export earnings, and more effective domestic supply chains.
The United States delegation acknowledged the growing importance of Kenya’s role as a regional economic hub and said the modernized trade arrangement would enable the two countries to tap into emerging opportunities, especially in manufacturing and technology-driven services. Officials said the goal is to deepen economic ties in a manner that ensures both economies benefit from expanded access to each other’s markets.
Discussions also covered the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, which has been instrumental in supporting Kenya’s export sector, especially in textiles and apparel. Ambassador Greer informed the Kenyan side that the current administration in the U.S. has proposed a one-year full extension of AGOA, a measure currently before Congress.
He added that an extension of the programme for one more year will enable the administration to develop a more comprehensive, mutually beneficial and well-designed trade strategy towards Africa, one which is in conformity with the broader objectives of both countries. The Kenyan officials applauded the proposal, noting that an extension offers continuity for exporters as the two sides negotiate a long-term trade structure. The meeting marked another step in Kenya’s push to secure predictable, long-term access to the U.S. market, while attracting American investors into priority sectors at home. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue consultations in the coming months as they work toward a new chapter in Kenya–U.S. trade relations.
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