The main issues of trade negotiations started in July 2022 under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta have been maintained by the US and Kenya.
The US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership discussions between the two nations came to an end over the weekend (STIP).
“During the meetings, the two sides exchanged views on the key concepts to be addressed on almost all of the areas outlined in the July 14, 2022, joint statement announcing the initiative,” the Office of the United States Trade Representative said in a statement.
“The goal of the partnership is to increase investment; promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and support African regional economic integration” it added.
At a virtual meeting in July of last year, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and then-Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina established the partnership with the goal of creating a roadmap for collaboration in areas like agriculture, digital trade, combating climate change, trade facilitation, and customs procedures.
All these discussion points were kept in the last round of negotiations, which were attended by US Assistant Trade Representative for Africa Connie Hamilton and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo.
