This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, the United States launched talks with Kenya on a potential free trade pact, with the aim of deepening economic and commercial ties between the two nations.
According to Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, the US is keen to strengthen its relationship with Kenya, a recognized leader across the continent and an important strategic partner of the US.
"Kenya is a recognized leader across the continent, an important strategic partner of the United States, and there is enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties," Ambassador Lighthizer said.
He added that a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya could serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa.
President Donald Trump has previously taken a hard line in trade dealings with some countries, but has also pursued bilateral talks with Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, launching an exploratory working group in 2018.
Earlier this year, the two leaders agreed to work towards a free trade deal, and the first round of talks is set to take place virtually over the next two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenya's secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development, Betty Maina, emphasized the importance of a predictable trade arrangement that guarantees preferential market access for Kenyan products.
"Increasing and sustaining export performance to the United States requires a trade arrangement that is predictable and guarantees preferential market access for Kenyan products. Kenya is also keen to attract Foreign Direct Investment from the United States," she said.
