This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Kenya is gearing up to negotiate a post-Brexit trade agreement with the United Kingdom, with the aim of maintaining market access for its businesses.
According to Kenya's High Commissioner to the UK, Manoah Esipisu, the country is looking to replicate a trade agreement signed by southern African countries, which will ensure continued preferential trade terms with the UK.
Speaking at the Annual Kenya Society Reception in London, Esipisu emphasized the importance of securing a post-Brexit trade deal, saying, 'Get on with it. Business does not love uncertainty.'
He added that Kenya has assurances that market access will continue after Brexit, but would welcome a signed instrument similar to the one between the UK and the Southern African Customs Union plus Mozambique.
The UK is set to leave the European Union on October 31, and the question remains whether London will leave with a transition agreement or without one.
Under the EU, Kenya accessed UK markets on duty-free, quota-free arrangements, which enabled the export of fresh farm produce like flowers and fruits.
Esipisu noted that a transition agreement would ensure that Kenyan flower sellers, for instance, continue to access the UK markets.
Kenya is targeting a similar arrangement and wants to use the UK-Africa Summit of January 2020 in London to seal a comprehensive trade agreement that will fill the gap of post-Brexit.
Trade value between Kenya and the UK reached Ksh140 billion ($1.4 billion) last year, with Kenya exporting cut flowers and other fresh produce.
