By Eddah Waithaka
In a strategic move to bolster Kenya’s trade relationships, the government is set to start on a nationwide sensitisation programme aimed at educating the business community on the lucrative opportunities offered by the European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement.
This initiative seeks to provide in-depth insights into the myriad benefits of the agreement, which promises to unlock new markets for Kenyan products in all 27 EU member states, fostering economic growth and enhancing competitiveness in the international marketplace.
Speaking at a press briefing Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya praised EPA as a transformative agreement that will significantly improve Kenya’s trade prospects.
“It is crucial that both the business and investor communities are fully informed about the stakes involved not only for the private sector but also for public and government agencies,” he stated.
Mvurya also noted that while the EPA will provide duty-free access to the EU market for many Kenyan products, agricultural imports from the EU will continue to be subject to tariffs to protect local producers and comply with Kenya’s regional trade commitments.
This follows earlier legal challenges by civil society groups to halt the implementation of the EPA, citing concerns about compliance with East African Community trade agreements.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, praised the efforts made by the Ministry to streamline and operationalize the Agreement.
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“The EPA provides a unique opportunity for Kenya’s business community to access the European market duty-free. Once fully embraced and adopted, this agreement will significantly increase employment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Kenya and the EU,” Geiger said.
In order to ensure effective implementation, a trade mission is expected to visit Kenya from Brussels, Germany, in September.
The mission will work closely with the Ministry to formulate a robust operationalization structure for the EPA to ensure that Kenyan companies can fully capitalize on the opportunities available in the European market.
The EU-Kenya EPA is the most ambitious agreement negotiated with an African country in terms of sustainability and can serve as a template for other sustainable trade agreements.
In 2023, Kenya exported goods worth Sh150 billion to the EU, while imports from the bloc totaled Sh223 billion. The government expects the EPA to increase Kenya’s export potential and strengthen economic ties with Europe.
