This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
Kenya is racing against time to seal a post-Brexit trade agreement with the United Kingdom by January 2020, to maintain continuity in market access.
Kenya's High Commissioner to the UK, Manoah Esipisu, expressed optimism that a post-Brexit agreement would be similar to the one signed by southern African countries, with additional investment agreements.
"This (Brexit) is a matter for the United Kingdom and all we can say is, 'Get on with it'. Business does not love uncertainty," he said in a speech at the Annual Kenya Society Reception in London, Friday night.
Esipisu emphasized 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 signed an economic partnership agreement with the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique last week, which will allow free trade after Brexit.
Kenya is targeting a similar arrangement and wants to use the UK-Africa Summit 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.
