US Lobby Roots for Sealing of US-Kenya Trade Pact

The US Chamber of Commerce has urged President Joe Biden’s administration to fast-track the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the US and Kenya.

The discussions commenced in July 2020, with a view of crafting a comprehensive agreement that will act as a model for similar pacts between the US and other African countries.

In a series of recommendations to Biden’s administration, the US Chamber of Commerce said the sealing of the trade pact between the two nations will pave the way for uptake of business and investment opportunities.

“The Chamber supports the negotiation of a high-standard free trade agreement with Kenya, which may serve as a model for future trade and investment engagement with Africa,” the lobby stated.

“These initiatives deserve a favorable assessment by the Biden administration, which can easily continue these negotiations where the Trump administration has left off.”

There are fears that the change of guard at the White House may cause further delays on the new trade agreement between the two nations.

Biden, who was sworn-in last month, has embarked on the reversal of many policies enacted during Trump’s tenure, especially on immigration and climate change.

Kenya is keen on signing the agreement ahead of the expiry of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) in 2025.

AGOA gives Kenya and 40 other sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US market for over 6,000 products.

Trade exchange between Kenya and the US stood at Sh118 billion in 2019, a 4.9 percent growth compared to 2018.