By Eddah Waithaka
In a strategic move to strengthen economic ties with Europe, President William Ruto has appointed five key Cabinet Secretaries to the newly formed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council, as announced in a Gazette notice dated November 22. The council, which aims to enhance Kenya’s trade relations with the European Union, will be led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Trade CS Salim Mvurya, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Agriculture CS Andrew Karanja, and Environment CS Aden Duale.
In a gazette notice dated November 22, Ruto appointment Investments, Trade and Industry CS Salim Mvurya as the co- chair.
“Pursuant to the establishment of the EPA Council in the Economic Partnership Agreement between Kenya, a member of the East African Community, on one part, and the European Union, on the other part, it is notified for the general information of the public that five appointed members of the EPA Council will be representing Kenya,” read the notice.
The EPA Council is responsible for ensuring and promoting a robust partnership between Kenya and the European Union, focusing on the protection of Kenya’s interests under the agreement. In May 2024, Kenya and the EU formalized the EPA during a ceremony attended by the EU delegation in Kenya, headed by Ambassador Henriette Geiger.
Further, at the signing event, President Ruto conveyed his optimism about the agreement, underscoring its potential to provide substantial benefits for Kenya. Additionally, in separate announcements, President Ruto appointed Swarup Ranjan Mishra as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Kenya Biovax Institute Limited. Mishra will begin his three-year term on November 22.
