Kenya-European union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA))

What’s in it for Kenya?

Kenya’s exports to Europe are set to increase following the signing of the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

An EPA is a trade agreement between the EU and countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) region. The main objective of an EPA is to promote trade and economic cooperation between the EU and the ACP countries.

The deal, according to President William Ruto, sets pace for trade liberation, offering tariff-free quota-free access of Kenyan exports to the European Union.

“It assures us of an expanded, lucrative and sustainable market, enhancing trade and investment opportunities,” said President Ruto.

The signing of the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement follows President Ruto’s meeting in Brussels in March where the Chief Negotiators were tasked to expedite the outstanding aspects of EPAs with the view of reaching a conclusion by June.

Beyond trade, President Ruto said the Agreement is designed to stimulate investment and manufacturing.

“Kenya is finally ready to take its place as a global player in export-led manufacturing and services,” explained President Ruto.

He encouraged European firms that import goods from Kenya to invest in value-addition and export finished, value-added products out of the country.

The negotiated agreement also anchors Kenya as the natural Hub for European companies seeking markets in the EAC, COMESA, SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“By locating your investment in Kenya, you will gain market access to the rest of the African continent.”

The current negotiations between Kenya and the European Union (EU) for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) , build on discussions that started in September 2021 during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. The negotiations covered various areas, including market access for goods, rules of origin, trade facilitation, services, intellectual property rights, public procurement, and sustainable development. The negotiations between Kenya and the EU were part of a broader process where the EU was negotiating EPAs with different regional groupings in Africa.