The Kenyan government is advancing negotiations to secure a post-Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) framework aimed at boosting exports to the United States. AGOA, enacted in 2000, is set to expire in 2025 after its recent renewal, allowing duty-free access for eligible products.
A 2018 State Department initiative, the Kenya National AGOA Strategy and Action Plan, outlined priorities for expanding trade, including livestock, oil and gas, textiles, and agricultural products. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) East Africa Hub has supported these efforts.
Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo emphasized that extending AGOA would strengthen business ties and increase revenue through expanded trade. However, Kenya's exports to the U.S. remain significantly below potential, with apparel accounting for a large share of its trade.
Export data from 2016 highlighted the gap: while the U.S. imported $83 billion in apparel, Kenya exported only $340 million. Similarly, U.S. home décor imports reached $18.1 billion, but Kenya's exports totaled just $3.1 million. The Export Promotion Council cited slow delivery timelines and complex value chains as barriers to fully leveraging AGOA benefits.
