This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed the virtual launch of the Kenya-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations at State House, Nairobi.
The launch marked a significant milestone in Kenya's economic journey, with the country poised to become the first in Sub-Saharan Africa to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
Kenya was represented at the launch by Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i, and State House Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy Ms. Ruth Kagia, while the US delegation was led by the country's Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer.
According to Dr. Matiang'i, the agreement offers a unique opportunity to spur economic growth in Kenya, with the potential to transform Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the finance, ICT, and agricultural sectors.
He noted that the agreement will increase incomes for producers, improve the quantity and quality of jobs, and raise living standards for Kenyans.
Dr. Matiang'i also addressed concerns that the agreement may weaken regional agreements, such as the East African Community or the African Continental Free Trade Area, stating that the agreement will complement Africa's regional integration efforts.
Published on July 8, 2020, the announcement of the US-Kenya Free Trade Agreement negotiations was made by the office of the United States Trade Representative following a meeting at the White House with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
