This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
On August 20, 2021, seven Republican Senators wrote to the US trade representative Katherine Tai, urging her to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the US and Kenya.
The Senators, led by Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, want the agreement to be concluded fast to pave way for business and investment.
They argue that a US-Kenya FTA would build on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which expires in 2025 and free trade efforts on the continent.
"A US-Kenya FTA is the appropriate next step in recognising and strengthening relations, economic opportunities, and a security partnership between the United States and Kenya," the Senators said.
They also want the deal to be concluded fast to tame China and Russia's growing interests on the continent.
The letter was sent ahead of a virtual meeting between Ms Tai and Trade CS Betty Maina, but no clear path for resuming negotiations for the free trade pact emerged after the meeting.
The Republican legislators pushing for the deal include Jim M. Inhofe (Oklahoma), Mike Crapo (Idaho), M. Michael Rounds (South Dakota), Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), James Lankford (Oklahoma), John Boozman (Arkansas) and Bill Hagerty (Tennessee).
